Ioane recalled to All Blacks squad as injury cover ahead of Ireland clash

Rieko Ioane has been recalled to the All Blacks squad as injury cover ahead of this weekend’s Nations Championship fixture against Ireland, ending his absence from the national setup following a sabbatical year in Europe.

New Zealand confirmed the move, stating that Ioane has been brought in to cover the outside backs as the coaching staff “continue to monitor injuries”. Left winger Leroy Carter was substituted in the first half of the All Blacks’ match against Italy after suffering a shoulder AC injury, and his availability remains uncertain. Crusaders midfielder Leicester Fainga’anuku is also sidelined with a leg fracture.

Ioane, 29, spent his sabbatical season with Leinster, where he won a United Rugby Championship title before returning to his Super Rugby club, the Blues. His last Test appearance came against Wales in November 2025 — his only outing of the Northern Hemisphere tour — after falling out of favour under the previous All Blacks coaching regime.

The recall marks a significant moment for the midfielder, who has now earned 88 Test caps since making his international debut in 2016. His return to the squad signals that the new coaching staff are open to reintegrating players who had been sidelined under the previous regime, though his role this weekend will initially be as cover rather than a guaranteed starter.