'I thought I'd never leave': The 'tough' reasons Highlanders star Josh Ioane left for Chiefs

Josh Ioane of the Highlanders, during the Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Sharks, held at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Photosport.co.nz

There was a point in Josh Ioane's career where he thought he would never leave Dunedin. After a turbulent season with the Highlanders, though, the appeal of a fresh start swayed his surprise switch to the Chiefs next year.

Two years ago Ioane's presence was firmly on the rise when he made his sole appearance for the All Blacks against Tonga in Hamilton prior to the 2019 World Cup. That recognition reflected his inherent attacking talents and, at that point, consistent form for the Highlanders after assuming the reins from Lima Sopoaga.

Mitchell Hunt's arrival from the Crusaders in 2020 changed the first five-eighth picture, however. Under Tony Brown, Hunt soon progressed to first-choice No 10 with Ioane instead shuffling between second-five, fullback and coming off the bench over the past two years.

Those frustrations coincided with off-field issues this season – Ioane was suspended for one match alongside five other players after neighbours registered several noise complaints for a party at Ioane's house following the team's defeat to the Hurricanes.

In an interview with the Herald this week Ioane outlined his reasons for leaving the Highlanders - his belief the Chiefs offer a better pathway to staking a claim in his preferred position, and a new environment where he hopes to leave the other baggage behind.

"It was a very tough call I've been down here four to five years," Ioane said. "I actually thought I'd never leave but at this stage of my career I felt it was a good chance for a change. Not playing 10, I've had a couple of off-field incidents. I've learnt from those and I want to move on. I'm ready to prove myself on and off the field next year. With that new change I felt Hamilton was a good fit.

"It took me a while to think about but it but I'm happy with my decision. I'd worked closely with Roger Randle, Clayton McMillan and a few of the Chiefs boys in the Māori environment and I admired what the Chiefs were about and what I saw from them.

Michael Collins and Josh Ioane talk during a Highlanders Super Rugby Aotearoa training session at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Getty Images.

"They work for each other and getting to know a few of the boys they're humble lads and we get on well. I've heard good things about their culture.

"Change can be good; it can be scary as well. I thought I wasn't getting the best out of myself down south and I felt like a change could be good."

Ioane had one year remaining on his Highlanders contract but he decided now was the right time to leave. The Herald understands no transfer payment was exchanged between the franchises.

"It was mutual. I sought a release from the Highlanders and they were happy to let me go."

Initially at least, Ioane has signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs but, should he prove himself in Super Rugby Pacific's inaugural season, the Herald understands the Hamilton-based franchise has long-term designs on the 26-year-old and Damian McKenzie joining forces to drive the team.

Josh Ioane of Otago. Photo / Getty Images.

That combination will have to wait a year, though, with McKenzie skipping Super Rugby next year to enjoy a lucrative one season sabbatical with Japanese club Suntory.

From a first-five perspective the Chiefs have Bryn Gatland, Kaleb Trask and Rivez Reihana on their books. If Ioane can regain the form that launched him into the black jersey, he will be a cut above those contenders.

"It's just a one-year deal at the moment. I'm definitely keen to hang around New Zealand. I'm still young and got a few more years left in me. There was interest from other teams but as soon as I knew the Chiefs were interested I knew that's where I wanted to pursue.

"The opportunity at 10 was definitely a factor. The Chiefs have some good 10s with Gats, Trask and young Rivez coming through.

"Making the All Blacks is definitely a goal in the back of my mind but I have to play well for Otago and the Chiefs when I get an opportunity there."

The presence of family – Ioane's sister, aunty, uncle and cousins live in Hamilton– will help ease the transition but splitting his time between Otago for the NPC and the Chiefs will be a testing new norm.

"A lot of players do it but it will be different for me. I've always just been in Dunedin. I've got a girlfriend here and she's got a job so we'll be learning what it's like for the other boys who travel New Zealand to play rugby. We're trying to work that stuff through it is challenging but we've got a bit of time."

Ioane grew up in Auckland, attending Kings' College, before shifting to Dunedin eight years ago. While the move south was filled with enthusiasm shifting to the Chiefs will push him outside his comfort zone and demand he matures in all aspects.

"When I left Auckland I was a young kid wanting to go and live the uni life down in Dunedin with my mates. Since then I've built a life here. This move is a bit scarier."

The prospect of returning to Dunedin in Chiefs colours will take some getting used to.

"I was talking to the Highlanders boys and they all said they will come for my head. It'll be a weird thing but I play against a lot of them through the NPC so hopefully I get an opportunity, and if I do it will be something special."

Where once cowbells ringing in his ears were a foe, they will soon be a familiar call to arms.

"I didn't used to like it because I was always kicking but it's probably something I can get used to. I'm definitely hungry to get in there and compete. I'm also passionate about Otago so it's going to be an exciting next 12 months."