Fri 2 Sep 2022 | 01:03

Monty Ioane Returns To Australia Citing Mental Health Issues

Australian born Italian international Monty Ioane has ended his time in Europe with immediate effect citing personal reasons.

Monty who is the nephew of former Wallaby Digby Ioane, is reportedly being lined up by the Melbourne Rebels for next season.

Ioane who was set to report back to his club Benetton on July 4^th only to stay in Australia until last week.

Following his late arrival, Ioane and the club came to a mutual agreement to release him from his contract which was set to keep him at the club until June 30^th, 2024.

Once the news broke, the club issued a statemtent on the move which read the following.

“Benetton Rugby announces that it has consensually terminated the contract that linked the player Montanna Ioane to the green and white club until June 30, 2024. The Australian winger, who arrived in Treviso in November 2017, had collected 82 appearances and scored 155 points from 31 tries in his five seasons."

“The president Amerino Zatta, general manager Antonio Pavanello and all of Benetton Rugby thank Ioane for the precious contribution provided during the five seasons spent in green and white and wish him and his family the best for the future.”

When asked about the termination of his contract and why he felt it necessary to leave the club and country, Ioane issued a statement say.

“I thank Benetton Rugby for the enormous opportunity granted me in these splendid five years.

“In Treviso, I found a family ready to make me mature as a man and to give me support even in the most difficult moments, as well as a club that has allowed me to grow a lot from a sporting point of view.

“The termination of the contract with Benetton Rugby, despite the renewal which took place last December, comes due to mental health issues that have forced me to stop playing rugby in recent months. Issues that in this moment of my life lead me to stay in Australia close to my wife and my children. Finally, I would like to thank my teammates and the fans for the warmth shown to me. Come on, Leoni.”

Now set to return home to Australia, the 27-year-old could well become eligible for the Wallabies in three year’s time once he has served his stand down period which would make him eligible for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Should the Wallabies not be interested in his services, he could find himself representing either Samoa or Fiji both of which he qualifies for due to his parents.