Jordie Barrett urges Super Rugby to explore deals for northern hemisphere stars after revealing conversation with Irish players
Jordie Barrett with Leinster team-mates and Ireland stars who could fancy a stint in Super Rugby.
Jordie Barrett has claimed that players in the northern hemisphere would be open to playing in Super Rugby and has urged those in New Zealand to explore that possibility.
It has been common for All Blacks past and present to have a stint abroad, whether that be in Europe or Japan.
Barrett is one of those to venture overseas with the New Zealand centre currently on a short-term sabbatical at Leinster.
The 28-year-old will return home after the Dublin-based outfit have completed their United Rugby Championship season.
Ironically, he will be replaced by his centre partner at the All Blacks, Rieko Ioane, who will join Leinster later this year for the 2025/26 northern hemisphere campaign.
Players moving south?
It has been a regular occurrence for those in the south to venture north, but not the other way round, and Barrett thinks that a change would benefit both parties.
Having now spent a few months in Ireland, the backline star reckons that players based in Europe would relish the opportunity to play in New Zealand.
Should Super Rugby franchises look to bring those individuals down under, they would no doubt need to get the go-ahead from the governing body, New Zealand Rugby, but Barrett reckons that it could work.
“It’s strange you ask that, particularly within the Leinster system where you’ve got so many good players that are just wanting an opportunity,” he told Sport Nation’s Beaver & Guy show.
“You’re just passing comment while you’re having a coffee, saying: ‘Would you enjoy going down to New Zealand for a stint?’ Their eyes genuinely all light up and they’d love to head south, go in that direction and play some rugby.
“It begs the question I guess at home in New Zealand as not many clubs, franchises or provinces actively seek to get players from the north because it’s probably never been done, but they would be surprised by the reception they might get if players got asked.
“I certainly think it would be beneficial going both ways, just to get a taste of different experiences and different lifestyles.”
‘All positive’
Barrett was also asked about his own time at Leinster and whether it has been a positive experience for the talented All Black.
The centre has received huge praise for his performances and how he has also helped some of the younger players coming through at the province.
There has been disappointment in the shape of their Champions Cup elimination to eventual runners-up Northampton Saints, but they still have a shot of silverware in the United Rugby Championship.
“I can’t speak on other people’s experiences if they go into different clubs and different competitions, but I can only speak honestly on the year I’ve had and my experiences, and it’s been glowing and all positive,” Barrett added.
“If people ask how Leinster was, it can get two ticks from me, but other players in different positions may not have the same experience so I’ve been so lucky there.”
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