After the departure of established All Black Lima Sopoaga from the Highlanders, Ioane became a regular starter for the team during the 2019 Super Rugby season, despite the presence of experienced first-five-eighth, Marty Banks.

[2] On 2 July 2019, Ioane was named by head coach Steve Hansen as one of four uncapped players in New Zealand's All Blacks squad for the 2019 Rugby Championship, with utility back Damian McKenzie ruled out for the rest of the year due to a torn ACL.

[3] Although named to replace All Black vice-captain Beauden Barrett off the bench against Argentina, Ioane was not brought on to the field, with New Zealand scraping by, winning 20–16.

[4] Having not played any tests during the Rugby Championship, Ioane was left uncapped after the outstanding form of Barrett, as well as Richie Mo'unga.

[5][6] Ioane made his international debut for New Zealand against Tonga on 7 September 2019, having been re-called to prevent injury to Richie Mo'unga.