Leinster hint when Jordie Barrett will debut as All Blacks star begins six-month stint

All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett is expected to make his much-anticipated debut for Leinster “pretty much straight away”, according to head coach Leo Cullen.

The 27-year-old, who shocked the world when it was announced that he would be taking up a short-term deal at the province, is a huge coup for the Leinster side.

Barrett missed the tail end of New Zealand‘s Autumn Nations Series fixtures due to injury, but it is reportedly not serious as he will soon be available for Leinster.

Due in this week

According to RTE Sport, the All Blacks stalwart is set to be in the Leinster camp this week as they spoke with head coach Cullen about their new signing’s arrival.

“He is [due] in this week, it has just been back and forth on the phone,” said the head coach before revealing he could play against Bristol in the Champions Cup.

“He was ruled out at the weekend and thankfully it is not serious, again, we just need to get some eyes on him and make a call as to when he gets up and running fully.

“I think there’s a chance, there’s definitely a chance [he’ll face Bristol] but I’m not 100% but that would be the hope, he’d be up and running pretty much straight away.”

Ex-All Blacks star extends overseas deal after Scott Robertson’s plea

A bow against Bristol at Ashton Gate on December 8 would be a welcome boost for Leinster as they look to begin their European campaign with a key away victory.

Leinster have fallen short in the Champions Cup in recent years but Barrett’s arrival adds another fierce weapon to the side’s arsenal for the key knockout matches.

Furthermore this season they also boast the qualities of Springboks lock RG Snyman, who joined them from Munster and has hit the ground running in a blue jersey.

He enjoyed a solid Autumn Nations Series campaign with South Africa and Cullen added to RTE Sport that he will be assessed after playing three internationals.

RG Snyman update

“He’s due back and we’ll get him assessed and see how he is,” added the boss.

“He’s played three Test in the last three weeks, he sat on the bench [for the first half v Scotland], played 80 minutes [v England] and then came on quite early [v Wales].

“We’ll touch base.”

Leinster are in United Rugby Championship action on Friday when they face Ulster at Kingspan Stadium, looking to make it seven wins out of seven in the league.

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