Jordie Barrett, a star for the All Blacks, has committed to playing for New Zealand after the 2027 World Cup, but he has declared a one-year hiatus to play with Irish side Leinster at the end of the year.
The 27-year-old center Barrett will join the formidable Dublin team for the 2024–25 campaign.
His father, Kevin, made a similar trip to the Emerald Isle in 2000 so that the Barrett family could play for the Buccaneers in Athlone. This time, he has agreed to play in Ireland.
For the Barrett family, it’s a particular spot, according to Jordie Barrett.
“We have a ton of amazing family ties in Dublin, County Meath, and Oldcastle.
It’s kind of cool to be able to reconnect with family, friends, and connections from two decades ago by traveling back in time.
Following the All Blacks’ northern tour, which includes Test matches against England, Ireland, France, and Italy, the versatile back will make the transfer.
He’ll forego Super Rugby in 2025 in order to complete the move, which will leave the Hurricanes atop the 2024 standings and undefeated.
“It’s amazing that the Hurricanes are excited and sending me off with their best wishes,” he remarked.
Barrett is the most recent All Black player to step away from the national team in the wake of New Zealand’s heartbreaking one-point defeat in the 2023 World Cup final.
Others have made the decision to walk on, but Barrett now has a contract through 2028 that includes All Blacks, Hurricanes, and home province Taranaki obligations.
While Richie Mo’unga, Shannon Frizell, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Nepo Laulala have signed club contracts, veterans Dane Coles, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, and Sam Whitelock have all retired, either fully or internationally.
This year, Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett have contracts with Japan, however, similar to Jordie Barrett, they have re-signed with NZ Rugby in order to play for the All Blacks again.
Prior to the 2023 World Cup, NZ Rugby made the extremely contentious announcement that coach Ian Foster would be replaced by seven-time Crusaders champion coach Scott Robertson.
When England visits New Zealand in July for a two-Test series, Robertson will take charge of the All Blacks for the first time.
