An absolute belter of a team.
In honour of Rieko Ioane’s arrival at Leinster, we have put together a XV of the best overseas signings for Ireland’s provinces.
Loosehead prop – Ollie le Roux (South Africa & Leinster)
A fan-favourite, who came over from the Cheetahs in 2007 and spent two seasons at Leinster.
Won 54 caps for the Springboks and brought that class with him to the RDS.
Hooker – Tom McCartney (New Zealand & Connacht)
A wily signing from the Blues, he helped Connacht secure the 2016 Pro12 title.
Spent six seasons out west before retiring.
Tighthead prop – John Afoa (New Zealand & Ulster)
Another signing from the Blues, and a World Cup winner with the All Blacks in 2011.
Like most New Zealanders who arrive on these shores, he wasn’t just here to pick up a pay cheque.
Lock – John Langford (Australia & Munster)
Only stayed two seasons, but had a monumental impact on the club, helping usher them into the professional era.
Deserved some silverware with the team.
Lock – Brad Thorn (New Zealand & Leinster)
He arrived for just a three-month stint during the Japanese off-season, but was instrumental in helping Leinster win the 2012 Heineken Cup.
Became the first player to win a World Cup, Super Rugby title, and a Heineken Cup.
Blindside flanker – Scott Fardy (Australia & Leinster)
Perhaps not as heralded as some of the others on this team, but he rarely, if ever, had a bad game in blue.
Was a great mentor as well to the younger generation.
Openside flanker – Marcell Coetzee (South Africa & Ulster)
Plagued by injuries during his years at Ulster, but he was simply devastating when fit.
Won the 2020-21 Pro14 Players’ Player of the Season.
Number eight – Rocky Elsom (Australia & Leinster)
Cheating slightly here as Rocky togged out at No 6 for his province.
However, such was his form, he could have played anywhere in the back five of the pack and had a similar impact.
Had the best season of any import.
Scrum-half – Ruan Pienaar (South Africa & Ulster)
Probably the best overseas signing, after Isa Nacewa, when taking into account peak form, impact, and longevity.
He didn’t want to leave Ireland but his hand was forced.
Out-half – Felipe Contepomi (Argentina & Leinster)
The qualified doctor had serious brains on the pitch as well and married that with a play style that oozed class.
Got injured in his last game for Leinster – the 2009 Heineken Cup semi-final vs Munster – but thankfully his side had a pretty decent replacement.
Left wing – Charles Piutau (New Zealand & Ulster)
Unfortunately he was part of an unsuccessful Ulster team, but he may have the best highlight reel of any player in this side.
A complete alien in Irish rugby in terms of his skills with ball in hand.
Inside centre – Jordie Barrett (New Zealand & Leinster)
Leinster signed him just as he was entering his prime and becoming the best inside centre in the world.
The farcical decision not to start him in the Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton will live long in the memory.
Outside centre – Rua Tipoki (New Zealand & Munster)
Not quite as good a player as Damian de Allende, but had a greater impact and was a key piece in Munster’s best-ever side, that went on to conquer Toulouse in the 2008 Heineken Cup final.
Any conversation about Tipoki cannot ignore Lifeimi Mafi, with whom he formed one of the great centre partnerships.
Munster Haka v All Blacks Haka. pic.twitter.com/642BXnnWTT
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) October 30, 2024
Right wing – Doug Howlett (New Zealand & Munster)
Munster signed the All Blacks’ top try scorer Christian Cullen in 2003, but it did not work out as planned.
They tried these tactics again after Howlett took the record off his countryman, and had a lot more success this time around.
Fullback – Isa Nacewa (New Zealand/Fiji & Leinster)
The best-ever overseas signing, not just in Ireland, but perhaps for any club in the game.
Retired in 2013, but came back two years later, and scored two clutch penalties in Leinster’s 15-12 Champions Cup final win over Racing 92 in 2018.
