Leinster have announced the signing of All Blacks star Geordie Barrett, who will join on a short-term contract next season as part of a new deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR).
Barrett becomes the first All Black player to remain active beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, signing a contract with NZR, Hurricanes and Taranaki until the end of 2028.
As part of his contract extension, Barrett will enjoy a short stay in Ireland after his stint in New Zealand ends in 2024. He will spend six months in Leinster starting in December, returning to a place with strong ties to the Barrett family.
family ties
Barrett and his family moved to County Meath in 2000 when his father Kevin, a former Hurricanes and Taranaki lock, accepted an offer to play professional rugby for Athlone while running a farm.
The relationships built during this period give this trip a special meaning for the 57-year-old All Blacks, who have set their sights on growing in a team that has supported much of the Irish national team over the years.
“This is a special place for the Barrett family,” he said. “There are so many great family connections in Oldcastle, County Meath and across Dublin. It’s so great to have the opportunity to go back 20 years and see family, friends and connections.”
Barrett is grateful to New Zealand Rugby for facilitating his short-term move to Leinster and says he can’t wait to return to the place he has visited in recent years.
“I’m certainly grateful to New Zealand Rugby. The Hurricanes are sending me on with their best wishes and I’m very excited. It’s great. And of course Razor for signing me. ” he added.
“It’s going to be a great place to learn so much and develop as a rugby player in a different environment. It’s also going to be a great place to grow as a rugby player in a different environment. It’s also going to be a great place to get refreshed for the next World Cup cycle, with some great numbers against the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki.” You can also celebrate the new year.
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“Overall, I think this move will be very difficult, but a positive challenge. Heading north for different conditions, different teams, different referees – it will broaden my game and improve my game. I think it will change the way we look at it and ultimately bring the best parts back to New Zealand Rugby and the Test jersey, ideally at the end of it.
“The reality of being a professional athlete is that you only get a few chances to get these opportunities. I want to be sitting there with my kids and grandkids. And I took this opportunity to better myself.”
The length of Barrett’s NZR contract also points to his interest in potentially playing against the British and Irish Lions, who are scheduled to tour New Zealand in 2029.
long term contract
New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson said: “Jordie’s dedication to the All Blacks shows his passion and loyalty to the jersey.” “We are proud that he showed that by signing for such a long period of time.”
“Jordie was very clear from the beginning on the fact that he wanted to use this time off to improve his game.
“We will help him achieve that while ensuring he is looked after both mentally and physically. “After months of discussion and collaboration with Leinster, we are confident Leinster will achieve that. We felt this was the right club to work with. They have a track record of developing international players and helping them achieve their goals.
“We know this will be extremely beneficial to Geordie as a person and as a player.”
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