Connacht sign All Blacks out-half Ioane from the Chiefs

Connacht have confirmed the signing of All Black out-half Josh Ioane from the Chiefs.

The 28-year-old, who previously played for the Highlanders, has racked up 72 appearances in Super Rugby and made his sole appearance for New Zealand against Tonga in 2019.

Ioane also featured for the All Blacks XV against Ireland ‘A’ at the RDS Arena in November 2022, and previously played and scored against Ireland for the Maori All Blacks in both fixtures during Ireland’s summer tour of New Zealand that same year.

A versatile out-half, Iaone has also played at full-back and centre and will offer further depth to Connacht in the back line after it was confirmed JJ Hanrahan has suffered an ACL injury.

“We are thrilled to welcome Josh to Connacht next season,” head coach Pete Wilkins said.

“We were open about the need for additional depth at 10 following JJ’s injury, and in Josh we have secured a player with a wealth of experience and an excellent skill set, that will both excite our supporters and complement our existing backs.”