Leinster make statement with Barrett capture
Daire Walsh
Leinster Rugby unveiled some major business for the 2024/25 season yesterday with the news that New Zealand international Jordie Barrett is set to join the province on a short-term deal later this year.
The younger brother of Kane, Scott and Beauden, Barrett will link up with Leinster in December after he elected to exercise an option to play overseas in a new contract extension he has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union.
A senior international debutant with his native country in 2017, the 27-year-old Hurricanes star has gone on to accumulate 57 caps in the All Blacks jersey. He featured alongside his brothers Scott and Beauden at Stade de France last October as New Zealand suffered an agonising one-point defeat to South Africa in the showpiece decider of the 2023 World Cup.
Jacques Nienaber was head coach of his opponents for that encounter and Barrett will now have a chance to work with the defence specialist.
While he will only be on board until the end of the 2024/25 campaign, this is a significant marquee signing that will be met with considerable enthusiasm by the supporters of the eastern province.
Although he was selected at inside centre for last year’s World Cup final, he will also be an option to Leinster head coach Leo Cullen at out-half and across the back-three.
It won’t be the first time for Barrett to live on Irish soil as he previously lived with his family in Oldcastle, Co. Meath for a 15-month period beginning in 2000. This is something Barrett was keen to reference in a Leinster press release that served as their official announcement of his arrival to the province at the end of the current calendar year.
“Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family. 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,” Barrett remarked.
Meanwhile, Dan Sheehan has signed a new two-year contract with Ireland and Leinster Rugby, the IRFU have announced.
The 25-year-old hooker has established himself as one of the game’s leading players since breaking on to the international scene against Japan in 2021. Since then he has gone on to represent Ireland on 26 occasions to date, scoring 10 tries in the process.
The Dubliner has also represented Leinster on 58 occasions to date, scoring 35 tries, and was named the URC Players’ Player of the Season in 2022/23.
“I am delighted to commit my future to Leinster and continue my playing career in Ireland,” said Sheehan.
“It means an enormous amount to wear the green of Ireland and blue of Leinster and I would like to thank all of my coaches, team-mates, and support staff who help foster such positive environments.
“It is a hugely exciting time to be playing rugby in Ireland and I believe the best is yet to come at club and international levels in the years to come.”