Monty Ioane joins Radradra and Rattez in outstanding Top 14 backline

Melbourne Rebels winger Monty Ioane is set to leave Super Rugby and make his return to Europe with Lyon in the Top 14.

After leaving Benetton Treviso for Australia due to "mental health" issues last year, Ioane has now signed a two year contract with Lyon. He is expected to join the team after representing Italy in the upcoming World Cup, having been named in the training squad in May.

Born in Melbourne to Samoan and Fijian parents, Ioane was educated in Brisbane and was part of the Reds' development program before venturing to France. He made his Top 14 debut at the age of 18 for Stade Francais before moving to New Zealand, where he caught the attention of former Wallabies coach Dave Rennie, who convinced him to join the Chiefs. He was unable to secure a place in the Super Rugby team and subsequently moved to Italy, where he played for Benetton until 2022.

Despite being born in Australia, he has never represented his country of birth, nor Samoa or Fiji, instead, he qualified to play for Italy under World Rugby criteria that allowed him to represent the nation under the then three year residency rule.

In September, Ioane terminated his contract with the URC side, citing mental health reasons.

Ioane will be joining a stacked backline at Lyon, with the likes of Semi Radradra, Vincent Rattez, and Thaakir Abrahams, already signed up for the upcoming season in the Top 14. Standing at 1.80 meters and weighing 95 kilograms, the 29-year-old Australian-born player brings his speed, power and skill to the Rhône.