Barrett signs with NZR until 2028
WELLINGTON: Jordie Barrett has become the first All Black to commit his services to New Zealand Rugby beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The 27yearold has put pen to paper on a new deal that will have him aligned with NZR, the Hurricanes and Taranaki until the end of 2028.
‘‘I’m very proud of the way the All Blacks went at the last World Cup but there is still a burning desire to go one better at the next one,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘I’m enjoying the way things are going in Wellington with the Hurricanes. I can’t wait to get into a new World Cup cycle and be really energised by it.’’
As part of the contract extension, Barrett will play a short stint in Ireland after his New Zealand commitments are over for 2024.
Starting in December, he will spend six months at Leinster.
The length of the contract also signals Barrett’s interest in potentially playing against the British and Irish Lions, who are set to tour New Zealand in 2029.
‘‘Jordie’s commitment to the All Blacks shows his passion and loyalty for the jersey,’’ All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.
‘‘We are proud he has shown that by signing for this length of time.’’
When Barrett heads to Leinster, he will be returning to a place that has strong connections to his family.
In 2000, Barrett and his family moved to County Meath when his father Kevin, a former Hurricanes and Taranaki lock, took up an offer to play professional rugby in Athlone while also managing a farm.
The relationships built during that period give this trip extra meaning for the 57test All Black, who has set a goal of growing his game with a team that has provided the bulk of Ireland’s national squad for years.
‘‘It’s a special place for the Barrett family,’’ he said.
‘‘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 20 years ago is pretty cool.’’
Kevin and wife Robyn spent 15 months in County Meath with six children — Kane, Beauden, Scott, Blake, Jordie and Jenna. Daughters Ella and Zara were born after they moved home to New Zealand.
When living in Ireland, the siblings attended St Fiach’s National School in Ballinacree. Beauden and Scott have visited in recent years, while Jordie is looking forward to similar experiences.
‘‘It’s going to be a great place for me to develop as a rugby player in a different environment where I’ll learn so many different things. And also to have a freshen up going into another World Cup cycle and some great years ahead with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki.
‘‘As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge. Heading north to different conditions, different teams, different referees — I think it will open my game up, make me see the game differently and I’ll ultimately bring the best bits back to New Zealand rugby and into a test jersey, ideally, at the end of it.
‘‘The reality of being a professional athlete is that you’ve only got a small window to have these opportunities and I’d love to be sitting there in 20 or 30 years with my kids or grandkids, knowing that I left no stone unturned, and I took up this opportunity to better myself.’’ — RNZ