Not even private equity can stop the player drain in New Zealand, with Rieko Ioane the latest All Blacks star set to head north to the Japanese League One competition.
The Roar can reveal that Ioane, 25, is set to join Ricoh Black Rams after the 2023 World Cup in the latest blow to New Zealand.
The flying outside back has been a mainstay in the All Blacks ever since he broke onto the scene in 2017, where he won the World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year.
In his infancy, Ioane was arguably the world’s best winger. Now, Ioane has developed into the most lethal outside centre on the globe.
But his decision to join Ricoh is another blow for the All Blacks, with cashed-up sides in Japan proving an unstoppable force for the New Zealand Rugby to handle despite the governing body’s $NZ200 million sugar hit from private equity firm Silver Lake.
Rieko Ioane is set to move to Ricoh following the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
At least half of the All Blacks starting side will head up to Japan at year’s end, with Ioane joining the likes of backs Richie Mo’unga, Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith as well as forwards Ardie Savea, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Shannon Frizell.
Others like David Havili and Will Jordan are also said to be weighing up their careers in New Zealand. It means their next generation will be thrown into the deep end for the 2024 Bledisloe Cup.
While a number of the aforementioned names are coming to the end of their international careers, the loss of Ioane would be a seismic blow for the All Blacks given his age and profile.
Ioane is at the peak of his powers and remains one of the best finishers in the world.
It took him three years to become an established centre, but Ioane showed last year that he is on the cusp of entering world-class status as a midfielder too.
Rieko Ioane has been one of the most damaging backs on the globe since debuting in 2016. Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images
The mass exodus, which is likely different from the exodus following the 2015 World Cup victory where a generation of players were ready to step up, will stretch the All Blacks’ 20-year stranglehold over the Wallabies with the Bledisloe Cup.
Unlike the All Blacks, Australia is likely to hold onto the vast majority of their players with less than a handful of regular first XV Wallabies weighing up moves offshore.
Helping Rugby Australia’s cause to keep players Down Under is the major events on the horizon, with a British and Irish Lions series in 2025 to be followed by a home World Cup in 2027.
Ehhh
Roar Rookie
The Welsh troubles are pretty complex but they aren't really related to the SH. The WRU reportedly has a similar income to the IRFU (who have the same number of professional clubs and aren't in trouble at all), very few "big" SH names, but is a basket case behind the scenes. To oversimplify (because otherwise you'd be writing a full book on the issue), the WRU board that oversee the professional game is majority run by representatives of the amateur game (who appear to despise the professional game and wish to be transported back to 1970), who are a jobs-for-the-lads Old Boys Club, and funds that should be used to keep the regions running are diverted into commercial interests, nice little jaunts to Italy for the families of higher-ups, and making sure Aberfythnowhere RFC has their shiny new clubhouse even though they barely have enough players for a Firsts team.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Interesting, as a wallabies fan, I think he’s brilliant. His speed is another level.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Ueah the problem is he hadnt played due to injury. I always thought he was a bit lacking in pace. All or 13 options have weaknesses.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Hard to say at the moment Jacko, Goodhue is one option but SRP will give us a better idea of who will step up.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
He should have been able to have progressed in those areas by now Muzzo, he is still young so time is on his side to make the necessary steps.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
Bit of a trick here ... putting a "hook" into what technically is a background article. Christy is neither right nor wrong. Reiko has renewed his contract, for the 2023 season but will be off-contract at the end. He may be off north -- or he may not. Christy's assertion that Reiko is off to Ricoh is not attributed to any source apart from "The Roar can reveal ...". There does not seem to be any attempt made to contact the player who likely would have said "I will make a decision on next year after the World Cup this year". TBH: Reiko's decision may well be decided by his brother who will also be off contract.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Who is our best 13 tim?
Decoy
Roar Rookie
I have no concerns about depth at 13, but Ioane is giving up a chance to become a truly great centre over the next few years. He is an attacking threat, but questions remain about his distribution and defence. He is no Conrad Smith in those departments yet, but could have developed those skills in the AB context, and grown a formidable partnership with Jordie. That partnership is what we will miss out on, not the individual. He won't grow in Japan, and quite possibly struggle to get back into the frame.
Barry Smyth
Roar Rookie
Especially when the WRU make around £50 million a year just from the stadium alone!
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Pretty right Tim, on Rieko's vision & awareness, as that is what, virtually, all great centres of the past have had. Rieko is a failure in that regard.
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
In another 20 years maybe Jacko, as my crystal ball says, re Bledisloe !!
Jacko
Roar Rookie
I don't put Clarke in the same class as Ioane.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
He starts at 13 but he is not a 13 as he lacks the skill sets required, Foster does not see that though where others do.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Would love to see it. Proper round Robin.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Agreed
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
That doesn’t mean he isn’t going to.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I think most wallabies fans are gutted. I personally am. Eddie better have some decent coaches he’s announcing
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
The UK season is going to be a lot shorter next year. 11 team comp. 20-game season, plus 3-4 European games. It’s much better than previously. France is 26 games plus Europe.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Yep could be this year, last time at MCG we got the goods. I was there. Probably best rugby game I’ve been to live. Both teams were brilliant. Then Dunedin, well, at least it’s not Auckland right?
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I think it’s more likely he goes there for a Japan season rather than multiple. Ie sabbatical. I firmly disagree he’s not a 13. He starts at 13 for the ABs