CONNACHT have confirmed the signature of one-time All Black Josh Ioane. The 28-year-old will provide Jack Carty with competition for the number 10 jersey. He arrives at The Westerners from Super Rugby runners-up the Chiefs.
Pete Wilkins was in need of bolstering his options at the game's most vital position following JJ Hanrahan suffering a torn ACL in May . Ioane has only played once for the All Blacks but his progression was stymied at club as well as international level by being stuck behind superstar Damien McKenzie. He did feature in 12 of the Chiefs' Super Rugby outings this campaign and even bagged a try in the final against the Blues.
Like Hanrahan, he is also adept playing at full-back. While getting any All Black in their prime was always bound to drum up some buzz among Connacht's fanbase, his sizzling highlight reel only served to send supporters over the edge with glee. The Master of None podcast commented (via GIF): "It is rather exciting.
" While John added: "Beautiful!!" Pete Wilkins said of the addition: “We are thrilled to welcome Josh to Connacht next season. "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.
"We look forward to him joining the squad and helping us push for success next season.” The club's statement goes on to add: "Ioane arrives with vast exper.