Leinster confirm short-term deal to sign All Black international Jordie Barrett at end of 2024

All Black Jordie Barrett has joined Leinster on a short-term deal.

The versatile back will be part of the Irish side’s line-up from December 2024, after committing to a contract until 2028 with the New Zealand Rugby Deal. As part of the deal, he is permitted to take an overseas sabbatical.

“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," said Barrett.

“As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge.

“The reality of being a professional athlete is that you’ve only got a small window to have these opportunities and I’d love to be sitting there in 20 or 30 years with my kids or grandkids, knowing that I left no stone unturned, and I took up this opportunity to better myself.”

Leinster reached the Champions Cup semi-finals on Saturday after defeating La Rochelle, and have also extended the contract of hooker Dan Sheehan.

“Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family," he said, as he had spent a year growing up in the country.

"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 20 years ago is pretty cool.”

Head coach Leo Cullen said: "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."

While Barrett was mainly a full-back in the early stages of his career, he is now more accustomed to playing as a centre.

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