Montanna Wilson Ioane (Samoan pronunciation: [uɑːneɪ]; born 30 October 1994) is an Australian-born Italian professional rugby union player who primarily plays wing for Lyon in the Top 14. He has also represented Italy at international level, having made his test debut against Wales during the Autumn Nations Cup. Ioane has previously played for clubs such as Stade Français, Tasman, Bay of Plenty, and Benetton.^[2]

On 22 August 2023, he was named in the Italy's 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.^[3]

Monty Ioane was born to a Samoan father, Paul, and a Fijian mother, Vika, in Melbourne, Victoria.^[4] As a young child Monty did not enjoy playing rugby and quit the sport until returning to it at age 12.^[5] After receiving a scholarship,^[6] Monty moved to Brisbane, Queensland to attend Anglican Church Grammar School at age 16. He stated that the decision to leave his parents in order to attend boarding school was difficult but his uncle Digby Ioane was already based in Brisbane and playing for the Queensland Reds. Monty Ioane played rugby while attending school and advanced to the Queensland Reds Academy.^[7]

At age 18, Monty Ioane moved to Paris, France, to play professionally. His uncle Digby had signed with Stade Français and worked out a deal to have his nephew Monty sign to the club with him. In 2015, Digby shifted to playing in Japan while Monty moved to play in New Zealand.^[7]

He is the nephew of Digby Ioane,^[5] and is the cousin of Pete Samu,^[4] both of whom have played for the Australia national rugby union team, and is the cousin of Ole Avei who plays for the Samoa national rugby union team.^[23]

Ioane has two daughters with his girlfriend Melisa Dasci.^[24] Ioane was born into a Catholic family but has stated he wasn't religious.^[25] While in Italy, aged 25, Ioane converted to Islam in June 2020 after meeting and being inspired by Austrian MMA fighter Wilhelm Ott who had converted in April during the COVID-19 lockdown.^[26] Ioane described himself as being in his room and "having a low point in [his] life" when he turned to and spoke with his partner Melisa, who was born Muslim, who "started talking about God" leading him to take an interest in studying religion. After Ott messaged him one day, the two met for dinner where he learned of how Ott had changed his life in a positive direction.^[25] Ioane later received religious assistance from Benetton teammate Cherif Traore.^[25][27]

He enjoys relaxing by playing the guitar or listening to music, and is an avid reader.^[6]

As of 3 June 2023^[28]