1
What written judgement said about Alex Mann's role in gouging saga
7
{{item.n}}
Jordie Barrett hints at Leinster return after lifting his first club trophy
By Ian Cameron at Croke Park, Dublin
He may have needed to travel to the far side of the world, but All Black star Jordie Barrett lifted the first club trophy of his career as he helped Leinster to an emphatic URC Final win over the Bulls at Croke Park.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 28-year-old played a key role in the midfield as Leinster swept aside the Bulls 32–7, Barrett, scoring the try of the match after collecting his own hack ahead to score under the posts.
It capped a brief but memorable stint in Dublin for Barrett, who has helped deliver silverware for the Irish giants.
Having arrived on a six-month deal ahead of the 2024–25 United Rugby Championship season, Barrett has been a revelation in blue, quickly emerging as a central figure in Leinster’s domestic and European campaigns.
His impact was immediate. Barrett made his debut in December from the bench in the Champions Cup against Bristol Bears, crossing for a try as Leinster stormed to a 35–12 win at Ashton Gate. Just two weeks later, he was named player of the match in a URC clash with Connacht following a composed display in a 20–12 victory.
Barrett’s influence saw him nominated for Champions Cup Player of the Year in April, and although Leinster fell short in the Investec Champions Cup semi-final, today’s URC title will go some way toward sating the superstar province’s appetite for silverware.
“It’s so good,” Barrett told Premier Sports after the Croke Park triumph. “We tried to use a bit of that motivation from Europe as well. Sometimes if you try and bite off a bit too much and almost try and win the double, you don’t win the competition that’s right in front of your face. It can be a bit disappointing. This is going to mean a lot for this group going forward, it takes some winning. Who knows how it’s going to set us up?”
ADVERTISEMENT
He’ll now return to the Hurricanes, but he has refused to close the door on a possible return to Irish shores. Reflecting on his time in Ireland, he hinted that his Leinster chapter might not be closed for good.
“I’d love to! [return to Leinster] Who knows, maybe in a few years,” he said. “I’m gonna savour this experience, it’s been amazing on and off the field. I’m really grateful.”