Crusaders sign Wallaby wing Ioane

Ioane, 31, played 35 Tests for Australia between 2007 and 2013 before moving to play club rugby in France and Japan.

He arrives at the Crusaders with the seven-time champions keen to bolster their backline after the departure of Nemani Nadolo and Johnny McNicholl.

Coach Scott Robertson, who takes over from Todd Blackadder next year, said Ioane was a key signing for the Crusaders.

"Digby is in the best condition of his life right now and we are excited about what he can do for this team, with his remarkable ability to create opportunities and score tries," he said.

Ioane, who has already played Super Rugby for the Western Force and Queensland Reds, said he was looking forward to returning to the competition.

"I love the intensity and tempo of Super Rugby and the New Zealand teams are leading the charge in that respect at the moment, so I can't wait to be a part of that," he said.

Ioane has signed until the end of the 2018 season.

Agence France-Presse