Jordie Barrett: Leinster stars' 'eyes light up' at idea of Kiwi contract

While it’s commonplace for All Blacks to spend a sabbatical season overseas, that one-way street may soon open another lane, at least if Jordie Barrett’s coffee-shop chats in Dublin are anything to go by.

The Leinster star is in the final month of his time in Ireland with the URC heavyweights, with his arrival at the club adding further congestion to an already remarkably competitive backline.

23 current Ireland players are at Leo Cullen’s disposal at the ladder-leading club, plus Barrett and Springbok hardman RG Snyman, meaning even with rest and rotation, regular minutes for all of that talent can be hard to come by.

That could make a season abroad all the more appealing, an idea that’s certainly crossed Barrett’s mind. The versatile back was asked whether there’s much of an appetite for a brief change of scenery amongst the Leinster ranks.

“It’s strange you ask that, especially in the Leinster system when we’ve got so many good players who are just wanting an opportunity,” he responded, speaking with SportNation. “There are just passing comments when you’re having a coffee, saying ‘would you enjoy going down to New Zealand for a stint?’ And their eyes genuinely all light up, they’d love to head south and go that direction and play some rugby.

“So, it begs the question. I guess at home, not many clubs or provinces or franchises are actively seeking to get players from up north because it’s probably never been done, but I think they’d be surprised with the reception they might get if players got asked.

“I certainly think it’d be beneficial going both ways for northern hemisphere players and southern hemisphere, just getting a taste of different experiences and different lifestyles, and I guess growing as a person and a player.”

There have been a few recent examples of foreign international players getting a taste of Super Rugby: Italy’s Monty Ioane with the Western Force and Argentina’s Pablo Matera with the Crusaders, while the Highlanders sought a couple of experienced playmakers in successive seasons to guide their youngsters, landing the signatures of England’s Freddie Burns and Wales’ Rhys Patchell.

All players were quality additions to the competition, and clearly saw value in a new challenge.

For Barrett, being as far from home as one could travel and in a different rugby system has opened his mind to new ways of doing things, from the week-to-week physical maintenance to on-field strategies.

He says he’s had “little bits and pieces” of communication with All Blacks coaches throughout his time in Dublin.

“I’ve received some nice, reassuring test messages from some of the coaches. They’ve obviously been watching a few games. It’s just good to check in with them, I’ve spoken to a couple of them at length on the phone about various systems and what we could potentially benefit from going forward in New Zealand.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

28

28

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

100%

Barrett’s form is sure to see him re-selected in the opening All Blacks squad of the year, but it may be a quick turnaround with the first Test of the season against France to be played on July 5.

“If we make a URC final up here on the 14th, I’ll fly home on the 19th of June and if I’m lucky enough to be fit, healthy and selected, hopefully I’m in camp for the first Test to play the French.

“Plenty to happen before now and then, so hopefully I can earn my way back into the side.”