Jordie Barrett's decision to sign for the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki until the end of 2028 has created a stir in Ireland and wider Europe after it was announced he will play a sabbatical season for Leinster next year.
The powerhouse Irish club has also signed Springboks lock RG Snyman. Such is Leinster's depth they could boast a starting line-up of 13 Ireland players, plus a Springbok and an All Black.
Midfielder Barrett, 27, is the first All Black to commit to New Zealand Rugby beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The 57-Test All Black has chosen to play for Leinster because of his family connections in the area surrounding the club. Leinster fans have already taken to social media expressing their surprise and delight.
In 2000, Barrett and his family moved to County Meath when his father Kevin, a former Hurricanes and Taranaki lock, played professional rugby in Athlone while also managing a farm.
The relationships built during that period give this trip extra meaning for Barrett, who has set a goal of growing his game with a team that has provided the bulk of Ireland’s national squad for years.
"It's a special place for the Barrett family," he said. "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."
Kevin and wife Robyn spent 15 months in County Meath with their six children — Kane, Beauden, Scott, Blake, Jordie and Jenna (daughters Ella and Zara were born after they moved back home to New Zealand).
When living in Ireland, the siblings attended St. Fiach's National School in Ballinacree.
"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. And also to have a freshen up going into another World Cup cycle and some great years ahead with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki," he said.
"As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge. 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."
The length of Barrett's new contract will take him to the brink of the British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand in 2029.
"I'm very proud of the way the All Blacks went at the last World Cup but there is still a burning desire to go one better at the next one," Barrett said. "And I'm enjoying the way things are going in Wellington with the Hurricanes. I can't wait to get into a new World Cup cycle and be really energised by it."
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said: "Jordie's commitment to the All Blacks shows his passion and loyalty for the jersey.
"We are proud he has shown that by signing for this length of time."
Robertson has worked alongside Barrett and Leinster's high-performance staff, to work through a plan for the six-month stint.
"Jordie was very clear from the start around the fact that he wanted to use this sabbatical to improve his game," said Robertson.
"We will help him achieve that while making sure he is looked after mentally and physically. After months of discussions and collaboration with Leinster, we feel they are the right club to do that. They have a proven track record of creating internationals and helping players achieve their goals.
"We know this will be hugely beneficial for Jordie as a person and as a player."
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