Analysis: Jordie Barrett's sabbatical at Dublin club Leinster next year means Scott Robertson's key back faces an intimidating itinerary, writes Patrick McKendry.
According to New Zealand Rugby's press release announcing Jordie Barrett's re-commitment to the game in this country and season-long sabbatical at Leinster, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson was heavily involved in ensuring one of his most important backs will be looked after in Ireland.
"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."
Robertson is right to be concerned about the 27-year-old's mental and physical welfare and it's probably not surprising the deal required "months of discussions" before it was signed off.
In the absence of Richie Mo'unga for the All Blacks, the second-five is looming as a key figure in Robertson's backline over the next few years at least.
And he's going to be busy.
This Super Rugby Pacific season is shaping up as a big one for Barrett and the Hurricanes, who are on track to go deep into the playoffs and may now be favourites to win only their second championship.
Immediately afterwards, England arrive here for two potentially tough Tests in July and then the All Blacks fly to San Diego to play a Fiji likely boosted by the Super Rugby performances of the Drua.
Robertson's men also face a tough Rugby Championship draw with two Tests against the world champion Springboks in South Africa before they depart on a challenging end-of-year tour to play Japan, England, Ireland, France and Italy.
Significantly, there's no rest for Barrett after all that because it's straight into club duty for Dublin club Leinster, one of the biggest of the European powerhouses who will likely go deep into all the competitions they're involved in.
After that, it's back to New Zealand and the rugby treadmill grinds relentlessly on.
Sabbaticals of course have long lost their true meaning when it comes to New Zealand rugby.
Apart from Richie McCaw, who took time away from the game to travel the world, and more recently Codie Taylor — the Crusaders and All Blacks hooker about to return to Super Rugby after an extended break following last year's World Cup — it's difficult to remember a player taking time to do something different.
Barrett's emotional and family links with Dublin and the surrounding area gives the choice of destination extra significance, and he will be paid handsomely for it. It also means he faces a far tougher workload than had he replaced brother Beauden at Japan club Toyota Verblitz, for example.
Apart from anything else, Robertson's control over Barrett's welfare while the player is away will be limited — hence the extensive ground work.
Leinster, who will be able to field a starting XV featuring 13 Ireland internationals, a Springbok in lock RG Snyman and All Black Barrett, will benefit enormously through the ability to select one of the best midfielders in the world and the extra publicity and reputation as a forward-thinking, ambitious, club that goes with it.
The greatest cost could be paid by Barrett, though, and by extension the All Blacks because he has a hugely demanding few years ahead of him.
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