New-boy Jordie Barrett quick to show his worth for Leinster

By Mark Stevens

Leinster had a good inkling of what they were getting when they confirmed the signing of Jordie Barrett back in April.

Now, eight months later, the All Blacks star has arrived in Dublin, ready to make his mark with the Irish province after a successful Autumn Nations Series with his country.

After agreeing a new contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union that will run beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Barrett has exercised an option to play overseas.

New Opportunity

It’s an opportunity for the 27-year-old to not only sample something new for himself and his family, but at the same time hone and develop his undoubted skills among Europe’s elite.

Thrust straight into the fray last Sunday against Bristol Bears in the opening round of this season’s Champions Cup, Barrett’s 40-minute cameo off the bench underlined what a key asset he will be for Leo Cullen’s side between now and the end of the season.

Barrett not only helped himself to one of Leinster’s five tries on the day, but he also provided a stunning scoring pass for fly-half Sam Prendergast to claim one of his two second-half scores.

Star man: Jordie Barrett playing for Leinster

He headed up a lethal second-half Leinster ‘Bomb Squad’ that helped turn the tide of the game in the favour of the four-times European winners, who after a tight first half at Ashton Gate, ruthlessly mauled the Bears into submission in the second period.

It was a powerful statement of intent from Leinster who, after three successive Champions Cup final defeats, have made no secret of the ambition to reclaim their crown.

European Pedigree

“I’m very aware of Leinster’s history in this competition,” added Barrett.

“It’s one of the things that stoked my appetite to come and play some rugby here in the Northern Hemisphere.

“I wanted to test myself in these European Cup games and this was a great first test. I thought Bristol were outstanding for most of the game and it’s refreshing to see a team play with no fear like they do.

“They are going well in the Premiership and they’ve got a great coach in Pat Lam, so this was a big win for us.”

Now, Barrett is expected to kick on further, especially with Leinster currently missing Ciarán Frawley (foot), James Lowe (calf), Hugo Keenan (wrist) and Jamie Osborne (groin).

Just exactly where Barrett fits into Cullen’s grand plans remains to be seen, but his versatility is well known and will no doubt be utilised in the coming months.

“I was a bit of a jack of all trades and master of none for a number of years, but I feel like it’s probably stood me in great stead for where I am at the moment.

“I feel like I’ve been around for ever, but I’m 27 and I feel like my best rugby is ahead of me, which is positive.

“I’d like to think a number 12 that can probably play 15 is how I see myself now. At a stretch I can still play on the wing, but I think most of my value is at 12.

“Who knows I might play at 15 at some stage too, which I’m excited about.”

READ MORE: We had to work hard for that – Jordie Barrett