Mon 15 Apr 2024 | 05:10

Leinster make major All Black signing

In quite possibly the signing of the decade, Leinster have secured the services of All Black centre Jordie Barrett on a short-term contract for the 2024/25 season. The Hurricanes player has also just signed a contract extension with the Super Rugby side until 2028.

Exercising an option in his new contract to play overseas for a season the 57-cap 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."

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 20: The MASTERCARD Player of the Match, Jordie Barrett of New Zealand, is presented with a Trophy by Dan Carter, former New Zealand rugby player, after the Rugby World Cup France 2023 semi-final match between Argentina and New Zealand at Stade de France on October 20, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by David Ramos - World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

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 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. We would also like to thank the New Zealand Rugby Union for their support with this move.

Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee said “It’s fantastic that Jordie has committed to the Hurricanes through until 2028. His family have an amazing history with the club and we’re excited that the legacy will continue. It’s great that he has decided to take up his sabbatical with an excellent club like Leinster, but before that happens, we have lots to achieve in Super Rugby this year.”

Jordie will head to Ireland following the 2024 Northern Tour, before returning to the Hurricanes for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.