- Jordie Barrett will join Leinster for six months in December, before returning to the Hurricanes with a contract until 2028.
- Barrett will aim to enhance his game in Ireland, citing the move as a challenging opportunity to bring new skills back to New Zealand rugby.
- Reflecting on his childhood connection to Ireland, Barrett expressed excitement about reuniting with family and friends during his stint with Leinster.
- For more rugby news, check our dedicated section.
All Blacks utility back Jordie Barrett will join Leinster in December on a six-month deal, New Zealand Rugby and the Irish province announced on Monday.
Barrett, 27, who plays international rugby alongside older brothers Beauden and Scott, will arrive in Dublin after the November Test window.
After his spell with the four-time Champions Cup winners, Barrett will return to New Zealand with the Hurricanes on a contract until 2028.
"As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge," Barrett said.
"Heading north to different conditions, different teams, different referees - I think it will open my game up, make me see the game differently and I'll ultimately bring the best bits back to New Zealand rugby and into a Test jersey, ideally, at the end of it."
Leinster are coached by former Springbok mentor Jacques Nienaber.
Our guy signs on until 2028, congratulations Jordie Barrett ??As part of the contract extension, Barrett will play a short stint in Ireland after his New Zealand commitments are over for 2024. Starting in December he will spend six months at Leinster, returning to a place that… pic.twitter.com/c7vxZBAi1V
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) April 15, 2024
Barrett, who can play across the backline, spent time near Dublin as a child when his father managed a farm.
"Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family," Barrett said.
"To have an opportunity to go back and meet some family and friends and connections that were made 20 years ago is pretty cool."
New Zealand's next match is the opening Test of a two-game series against England on 6 July before the Rugby Championship begins a month later.
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— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 15, 2024
Jordie Barrett speaks about his move to Leinster Rugby and his time living in county Meath. #FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/cfl6yRqTxr