Leinster Rugby announce sensational signing of All Blacks star Jordie Barrett
Leinster have announced the signing of New Zealand star Jordie Barrett on a short-term deal with the club.
The 57-times capped All Black is taking a sabbatical from his club Hurricanes, exercising an option to play overseas, and will join up with his new teammates in December 2024 and stay until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Jordie, younger brother of fellow rugby stars Beauden and Scott, 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. When living in Ireland, the Barretts attended St. Fiach’s National School in Ballinacree.
Speaking about the decision, the 27-year-old 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 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."