RIEKO IOANE

Position
Centre

Blues debut
2016 vs Reds

Blues caps
112(SR 111)

Blues points
245

Born
18/03/97

Height
188cm

Weight
103kg

Province
Auckland

Provincial debut
2015 vs Taranaki

Rieko Ioane remains to this day one of the most dangerous and exciting backs in world rugby. 

The fast, strapping centre/wing signed for the Blues while still attending Auckland Grammar School. He was part of the Blues Under-17 and Under-18 Development Squads and rose to prominence as captain of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team, leading them to victory over Fiji and Australia in 2014. 

In January 2015, Rieko was selected to join his brother in the All Blacks Sevens, scoring two tries in the win over England in the final of the Wellington tournament. Rieko played five times for the Blues in his debut season before representing the All Black Sevens at the Rio Olympics. 

In 2016 Reiko earned his first All Blacks cap against Italy and has since established himself as one of world rugby’s premier backline talents. His efforts in the 2017 British & Irish Lions series as well as his incredible strike-rate saw him acknowledged as the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. 

His 10 tries in 2018 ensured his popularity among the Blues faithful, claiming the Fan Player of the Year award as well as another nomination for the World Rugby Player of the Year. 

The 2019 season began much the same for Rieko, scoring nine tries in the season including a memorable four try performance against the Sunwolves. 

2020 saw Rieko switch from the wing to his preferred position of centre and the move was telling. His speed, size and power in the middle caused headaches for many an opposition. 

His performances in the Blues midfield were worthy enough to earn All Blacks selection as an outright centre. 

Throughout the early 2020’s, Ioane was electric at Super Rugby level, consistently among the country’s best in metres made, line-breaks and try assists. Ioane was instrumental in the Blues securing their first title in 18 years in 2021. 

 
Ioane was at his dynamic best in 2023, putting in performances to prove he is the premier centre in the country. Along with his brother, Akira, he notched up 100 Blues appearances, the team performing a stirring haka in the changing room for him post-match. The season culminated for Ioane with his second Rugby World Cup appearance in France, with his attacking flair and defensive capabilities on show.  

After inking a new deal to stay with the Blues through until the end of 2027, Rieko entered the 2024 season still with a burning desire to win Super Rugby Pacific title. It was a season where he parked personal reward, committing whole-heartedly to a game plan where he was used much more as a link man and decoy - a season where the forwards dominated the game plan.  

Ioane’s leadership and cool head came to the fore throughout the season, starting the majority of games but for a few injury-forced weeks off. With brother Akira signalling 2024 would be his last season at the Blues, the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific victory was a super special moment for the Ioane family and a fitting final chapter in the bothers’ time in the jersey together.  

Rieko was once again picked for the All Blacks July Tests and Rugby Championship squads following his Super Rugby campaign and will return to the Blues in 2025 with a new mission – a title defence. 

Rieko is contracted with the Blues through until the end of the 2027 season.