Leota was a solid centre who played 24 games for the Highlanders in 2008-09 and scored two tries.
He turned out for Manawatu at provincial level and then in 2010 he trained with the Hurricanes but never got on the field.
He left for England in 2011 and has been there ever since, playing for Sale Sharks.
Now at 35, he has been named a winner of the Rugby Players Association personal development award for the 2018-19 season.
The award was created to celebrate the proactivity and off-field achievements of RPA members.
Leota, who has 20 test caps for Samoa, joined Sale Sharks in 2011 and has since made more than 130 appearances for the Manchester club.
The powerful centre, who has overcome significant injuries in his career, including two ACL tears in his knees, has been rewarded for being proactive off the pitch and his determination to further his personal development and prepare for life after rugby.
A passionate writer, Johnny launched his own online blog to offer advice and support to fellow players facing similar injury setbacks.
His blog, Rugby Yarns, speaks of his experience of rehabilitation, the emotions and difficulties faced, the stages of transition and why it is important to keep positive and motivated towards your next goal.
Leota has also proactively engaged in work experience and vocational opportunities, including teaching physical education at local schools, gaining his level three personal training qualification and undertaking a barber's course through Trafford College.
He also completed the RPA's business leadership and management degree through Northumbria University and recently started his master's degree in sports management and business at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Leota has also enhanced his coaching experience by gaining a part-time role with Sale FC in the National League One grade and working with the Sale Sharks community programme to mentor young aspiring rugby players.
He has made four appearances for the Sale team in the premiership this season.
-Former Otago captain Paul Grant will drop down a division to play next season.
Grant has been at premiership club Bath for the past three seasons but has signed for the Ealing Trailfinders for next year.
Grant (31) last played for Otago in 2016, when he led Otago to the ITM Cup Championship final.
The No8 has played 66 games for Otago and has played in France and England.
He joined Bath in 2016 and has made 46 appearances for them in a three-year spell at the Recreation Ground
Ealing Trailfinders is an ambitious London-based club which plays in the Championship, the tier below the Premiership.
The Ealing side finished second on the table this season, behind London Irish, which has won the title and will be promoted to the Premiership.