Jordie Barrett reveals what ‘stoked my appetite’ for Leinster move after ‘great test’ on debut
Jordie Barrett ahead of Leinster's clash with Bristol Bears in Champions Cup 2024.
Jordie Barrett admits Leinster’s history in the Champions Cup played a key role in making the move to Ireland for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.
The All Blacks star has agreed a short-term deal with the province as he looks to experience rugby outside of his native New Zealand.
Barrett joined up with the squad following the All Blacks’ Autumn Nations Series campaign and made an impressive debut in their 35-12 victory over Bristol Bears in the Champions Cup.
He scored one try and set up another after coming off the bench in the second period as the centre settled into life rather quickly at Leinster.
Adding another star
Europe is always the main target before every season for the Dublin-based outfit, who have won the competition on four occasions, which is the second-most behind Toulouse.
“I’m very aware [of Leinster’s Champions Cup pedigree], that probably stoked my appetite to play some rugby up here in the northern hemisphere,” Barrett told Premier Sports. “At the age I am, I just wanted to come up here and test myself in these European Champions Cup games.”
Barrett also reserved praise for their opponents on Sunday, Bristol, despite the ultimately comfortable nature of the scoreline.
“Sunday was a great test for us, Bristol were outstanding for the most part, I loved the way they played. It was so refreshing to see a team with absolutely no fear continue playing,” he said.
“They’ve been going outstandingly in the Premiership this year. They’re a well-coached side under Pat Lam, so they were great tonight.”
The All Blacks centre is only in Dublin for six months, which means that he needs to get up to speed quickly, but Barrett’s performance at Ashton Gate was promising.
“It was quite nice, I was just getting a feel for the match. I’ve only been here about 10 days. I had a great week, Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose have been awesome and making my job a lot easier,” he said.
“It’s been a long eight days since the Ulster game last week but I’m absolutely loving my time in Dublin.”
WATCH: All Blacks star Jordie Barrett shines on debut with a ‘filthy’ try and assist in 15 minutes
Only complaint
Barrett had just one issue, however, having gone from the southern hemisphere winter to the northern hemisphere’s.
He was greeted by the remnants of Storm Darragh, which has battered parts of the UK over the weekend.
“I need some sun on me, I’ve gone from winter to winter,” he quipped. “It’s been great, my body was in good condition when I left Italy a few weeks ago and I was champing at the bit to get an opportunity with Leinster.
“It’s been in the making for six or so months now and I just couldn’t wait to get to Dublin, get around some great coaches and some great players.
“The city of Dublin and even people across all the other provinces of Ireland have been outstanding. I’ve enjoyed it so far.”
