Signing coup for Leinster as Barrett joins

Leinster have announced the signing of New Zealand international back Jordie Barrett on a short-term deal from next season.

In agreeing a new contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union that will run beyond the 2027 World Cup, Barrett has also exercised an option to play overseas. The 27-year-old will move to Leinster in December and remain there until the end of next term.

He is a world-class addition to an already immensely powerful Leinster squad, one that is in contention to win the Investec Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship this season.

Barrett, who has won 57 caps and offers options at centre, full-back and flyhalf, has strong family connections with Leinster and County Meath, spending more than a year there in the early 2000s when his family relocated.

Barrett, whose brothers Beauden and Scott are also All Blacks, said: “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 20 years ago is pretty cool.”

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “We are delighted that Jordie has agreed to join us after New Zealand's tour in early December, especially as he has chosen Leinster ahead of a number of other very attractive options.

“Jordie is a 50-plus cap All Black with an outstanding skill-set who has been performing at the highest level of the game for multiple seasons now.”

It was also announced yesterday that hooker Dan Sheehan has signed a new two-year contract with Ireland and Leinster. The 25-year-old, who made his Test debut against Japan in 2021, has scored ten tries in 26 appearances for his country, including three outings at last year's Rugby World Cup in France.