When it was revealed last week that All Blacks star Jordie Barrett will be joining Irish superpower Leinster Rugby on a short-term contract for the upcoming season, it nearly sent shockwaves through the rugby community.
The youngest Barrett sibling, who has been captained by New Zealand 57 times, is perhaps the finest inside center in the game right now, therefore many were taken aback by his brief contract.
Barrett has committed his future to New Zealand Rugby as part of a broader package, of which the granting of a career break is a crucial element.
At first, it was said that Barrett will move to Japan to play rugby, following in the footsteps of his brother Beauden.
Barrett recently gave an explanation of why he chose to travel to Dublin in order to connect with the dominant European voice on Newstalk ZB.
Yes, it is actually quite an intriguing one; I believe that my main goal for the sabbatical was to spend a brief time in Japan.
“But then Leinster made me an offer, and I was extremely thrilled about it because of the club’s reputation, their past accomplishments, and their future plans.
“Well, it was an offer I went a little bit further into, and I managed to close a deal with them, so I’m really happy about it,” the speaker said.
Asking more detailed questions, Barrett was asked what he found most exciting about playing in Leinster and Ireland.
“Well, they are a bloody good side and have the majority of the Irish team, which helps.”
“They are bloody good coaches with Leo Cullen and Jacques Nienaber, and Tyler Bleyendaal from the Hurricanes is joining them right now.”
“Also moving up in my career timeline, I feel like I should be playing some of my greatest rugby there. I’ll be 27 or 28 at the end of the year.
“I would want to work for the challenge of competing in the Champions Cup and URC finals, and I think it will improve my game.
“Thus, from a development standpoint, it was all very positive things when I was considering my options. Going into Ireland in a different team environment and culture is just something new and a great new challenge.”
