Players Who Matter In Bath Rugby Vs. Lyon: Italian Star Monty Ioane
Players Who Matter In Bath Rugby Vs. Lyon: Italian Star Monty Ioane
Italian international Monty Ioane stars for Lyon in the 2024-2025 EPCR Challenge Cup vs. Bath Rugby. Stream live from Cardiff on FloRugby in North America.
Italian international Monty Ioane is set to bring his explosive pace and dynamic finishing ability to the Principality Stadium as Lyon prepares to face Bath Rugby in the 2024-2025 EPCR Challenge Cup clash, which will be livestreamed on FloRugby for audiences in North American and U.S. Territories.
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Born Montanna Wilson Ioane on Oct. 30, 1994, in Melbourne, Australia, the Lyon wing boasts a truly global rugby journey and a deep-rooted Pacific Island heritage, with a Samoan father and Fijian mother.
Though he initially shunned rugby as a child, Ioane rediscovered the game at 12 and never looked back.
A scholarship led him to Brisbane’s Anglican Church Grammar School at 16, where he trained alongside his uncle and Wallabies star Digby Ioane. That pathway led him into the Queensland Reds Academy and set the stage for a career spanning four countries.
At 18, Ioane signed with Stade Français in France’s Top 14, gaining crucial professional experience before stints with Tasman and Bay of Plenty in New Zealand’s Mitre 10 Cup. It was during his time at Bay of Plenty that he caught the attention of Benetton Rugby's scouting team, leading to a move to Italy in 2017.
Ioane thrived in the Pro14 with Benetton, amassing over 60 appearances and becoming eligible for Italy via residency. He made his international debut in 2020 against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup and was named in Italy's squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Now in his second season with Lyon, Ioane has notched seven tries across 26 matches in all competitions. His raw speed and evasiveness continue to make him a nightmare for defenders and a consistent try-scoring threat.
Off the pitch, Ioane is known for his humility, spiritual journey and deep family ties.
A father of two, he converted to Islam in 2020, influenced by his partner Melisa Dasci and Austrian MMA fighter Wilhelm Ott. Ioane often unwinds with music or a good book and maintains strong bonds with his rugby family, including cousins Pete Samu and Ole Avei.
With experience at the highest levels and a story that reflects resilience and growth through some challenging times, Ioane is poised to be a standout as Lyon chases Challenge Cup glory.
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