Leinster just got even better with the capture of All Blacks ace

Leinster have announced the signing All Blacks utility back Jordie Barrett from the Hurricanes on short-term deal next season.

Barrett committed to the All Blacks by signing a long-term deal beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, that will see him aligned with New Zealand Rugby, the Hurricanes and Taranaki until the end of 2028.

In signing a new contract extension with the NZR Union, the 27-year-old has exercised an option to play overseas and he will join the Leinster ranks for six months, starting in December 2024.

Barrett has strong family connections with the province and with Co Meath where he spent some time in the early 2000’s when his family relocated to Oldcastle, while his father, Kevin, managed a farm and played rugby with Buccaneers.

BARRETT AND CULLEN ON THE LEINSTER COUP

Speaking about the decision to sign for Leinster, the 57-times capped All Black said: “It’s going to be a great place for me to develop as a rugby player in a different environment where I’ll learn so many different things.

“Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family. We’ve got so many great family connections in Oldcastle, in County Meath and throughout Dublin. To have an opportunity to go back and meet some family and friends and connections that were made twenty years ago is pretty cool.”

Leinster Rugby Head Coach, Leo Cullen, welcomed the announcement and looked forward to welcoming Barrett to the club, “We’re delighted that Jordie has agreed to join us after New Zealand’s tour in early December, especially as he has chosen Leinster ahead of a number of other very attractive options.

“Jordie is a fifty-plus cap All Black with an outstanding skillset who has been performing at the highest level of the game for multiple seasons now. He is keen to seek out a new experience at Leinster and I’m sure we will learn a lot from each other during his time with us,” the Leinster boss continued.

“The Barrett family have strong connections with Ireland and Leinster in particular, so it’s a sort of homecoming for Jordie. I’m sure all our supporters will be really excited to welcome one of the best players in the world and see up close what he brings to the team.”

BARRETT LINKING UP WITH SPRINGBOKS

The All Blacks ace will link up with the Springboks’ double World Cup winners Jacques Nienaber and RG Snyman, after Leinster secured the services of Nienaber earlier this season, while Snyman will join the club at the later this year.

Such is Leinster’s depth they could boast a starting lineup of 13 Irish Test players, a Springbok and an All Black.

The All Blacks Jordie Barrett. Photo: AFP