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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.
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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?”
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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.”
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Big question is who else is gonna go North on Sabbatical who do u fans up North want ? Boys don’t get overplayed in these deals but when they do u know they going hard…if the money is right and the cash is good (but not ridiculous) anyone fancy an Ardie Savea? Jordie has been treated so well over there I hope some more of our other boys can go do the same and return the favor…as long as they come back in good Nick with a full tank of gas
Jordie was half Irish before he travelled, fully Irish now.
Leinster have subsumed some South African qualities. They will deploy speed when they have opened up a defence. Watch for Rieko scoring a lot of tries from the wing but will be deployed at centre also. His aerial game will also be developed.
Leinster is attractive as they are generally contenders for two trophies. Of the other Irish teams I think Munster are on the up. With Munster you would play Leinster twice and also the 4 SA franchises and the Champions league matches. Munster should also qualify for knockouts in both competitions.
Well rested after a sabbatical in a lesser comp, now back to some real rugby.
If he was a little less rested he could have a Champions Cup winners medal as well as the URC medal he has.
Playing a top French club team in a CC final, even if they lost would have been valuable experience.
He has played and behaved brilliantly in Leinster. It was lovely to see him getting a huge cheer when he got his medal yesterday.
Well Jordie!! Serious contention for the 12 Jersey waiting your arrival in the ABs selection ie Tepaia. Again well done!
And Tupaea too.
Don’t think there is any contention he is our 12 incumbent proven but his back up another story who will it be