Jamison Gibson-Park expects Rieko Ioane to have a similar impact on Leinster as All Blacks teammate Jordie Barrett.

The Blues centre will join the Irish giants on a short-term deal next season following Barrett’s successful six-month sabbatical.

Barrett, who skipped the Hurricanes’ Super Rugby Pacific campaign this year, has starred in both the Vodacom URC and Investec Champions Cup for Leinster, who face Northampton in the semi-finals of the latter tournament on Saturday.

Springbok utility back Damian Willemse was reportedly being targeted to replace Barrett at Leinster, but the Stormers made it clear they would not let him go.

Leinster ended up signing Ioane, which came as a surprise to New Zealand-born Ireland scrumhalf Gibson-Park.

“It’s an interesting one isn’t it! I don’t think many of us saw it coming.”

Ioane is the nemesis of Leinster legend and former Ireland flyhalf Johnny Sexton. After the All Blacks knocked Ireland out of the 2023 World Cup quarter-finals in France, Ioane apparently told Sexton: “Don’t miss your flight tomorrow. Enjoy your retirement, you c**t.”

Sexton responded in his book, calling Ioane a “fake humble f**ker.”

When asked if that is why Ioane’s signing surprised him, Gibson-Park admitted: “That maybe has a little bit to do with it.

“We would have heard whispers of the other ones [signings], but we didn’t really hear anything on this one. This one just came out of the blue.”

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However, Gibson-Park insisted Ioane’s pending arrival is “hugely exciting” and that he could be as influential as Barrett.

“He’s an unbelievable talent and someone we look forward to having as part of the group,” he said. “We’ve had a similar set-up with Jordie’s signing and he’s had a huge influence, we’re hoping for more of the same from Rieko.

“Sometimes it’s good to have somebody that’s come from a different environment and sees things a little bit different. Jordie is a student of the game, he understands rugby very well. He’s added hugely in that way.

“His performances in the games have been outstanding. He’s a great bloke as well. He’s been a huge addition. Hopefully Rieko will have the same influence.

“He’s been an integral part of that All Blacks team for a long time now. It’s huge to have someone like that in the group.”

Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images