Twist in Jordie’s Canes deal
Jordie Barrett’s new three-year deal with the Hurricanes is effectively just a one-year deal.
The All Blacks utility has turned down an initial opportunity to follow big brother Beauden to the Blues by committing to the Hurricanes, as well as New Zealand Rugby, until the end of the 2022 season.
However, as first reported by Stuff, included in the fine print is a clause that would allow him to switch Super Rugby franchises after just one season.
That was explained in the press release sent out by NZ Rugby, but any reference to that clause was curiously missing in the one sent out by the Hurricanes, who trumpeted the retention of the 10-cap New Zealand international on a three-year deal.
‘‘There is a really good mix of youth as well as experienced leaders in the squad and I feel like this is the best place to develop my game,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘Staying in New Zealand rugby is really important to me. I’m enjoying playing alongside my mates, and I’ve got further aspirations and goals I want to reach while I’m playing in New Zealand.’’ Given he has already lost one Barrett brother, Hurricanes coach John Plumtree was delighted to retain the versatile 22-year-old for the 2020 campaign.
‘‘He is obviously a really key individual in our squad and we are really looking forward to growing his game even further in our environment,’’ Plumtree said.
‘‘We want to really develop Jordie as a leader and he will be a key driver in our team for the next three seasons. He is going to play a big role on and off the field for us.’’
Barrett has made 48 appearances for the Hurricanes since he made his Super Rugby debut in 2017.