Connacht Rugby has announced the acquisition of All Blacks fly-half Josh Ioane for the 2024-2025 BKT United Rugby Championship and EPCR Challenge Cup season.
Connacht Rugby confirmed on July 10 the acquisition of promising All Black out-half Josh Ioane from the Chiefs for the 2024–2025 season.
Ioane has a plethora of experience from the Southern Hemisphere’s best rugby championships, having won 72 Super Rugby caps with the Chiefs and previously the Highlanders, and scoring more than 300 points in his career.
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Ioane, 28, has an exceptional resume, including a call-up to the All Blacks for the 2019 Rugby Championship, where he made his international debut against Tonga, scoring eight points from the bench.
His abilities were further demonstrated in November 2022, when he appeared for the All Blacks XV versus Ireland ‘A’ at the RDS Arena.
Ioane also played for the Māori All Blacks during Ireland’s 2022 summer tour of New Zealand, scoring twice.
Ioane, known for his flexibility and explosive playmaking talents, is regarded as one of New Zealand’s most entertaining outfield players. His experience extends beyond the out-half position, as he has also played fullback and center on occasion.
This versatility will provide Connacht’s head coach, Pete Wilkins, considerable depth and alternatives in critical areas.
“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to Connacht next season,” Wilkins told me. “We were clear about the need for more depth at 10 following JJ’s injury, and in Josh, we have found a player with a wealth of experience and a fantastic skill set who will thrill our fans while also complementing our current backs. We look forward to him joining the team and contributing to our success next season.”
Ioane’s accession to the Connacht squad is expected to improve the team’s offensive prowess and strategic adaptability, making them more competitive in the coming seasons.
His expertise at the top levels of rugby, as well as his ability to produce under pressure, make him an invaluable addition to Connacht as the team strives for further success in local and international games.
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