Leinster have announced the signing of New Zealand utility back Jordie Barrett, who will join the club following the autumn internationals.
Barrett has 57 All Black caps and will join the province for the second half of the 2024/25 season.
The 27-year-old Hurricanes player lived in Ireland for 15 months along with All Black international brothers Beauden and Scott when their father, Kevin, took over a farm lease in Oldcastle Co Meath in 2000.
When living in Ireland the Barretts attended St. Fiach's National School in Ballinacree.
In signing a new contract extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union, Barrett has exercised an option to play overseas and he will join up with his new team-mates in December 2024, Leinster said.
He said: "It's going to be a great place for me to develop as a rugby player in a different environment where I’ll learn so many different things.
"Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family. We've got so many great family connections in Oldcastle, in County Meath and throughout Dublin.
"To have an opportunity to go back and meet some family and friends and connections that were made 20 years ago is pretty cool."
Leinster boss Leo Cullen said: "We're delighted that Jordie has agreed to join us after New Zealand’s tour in early December, especially as he has chosen Leinster ahead of a number of other very attractive options.
"Jordie is a fifty-plus cap All Black with an outstanding skillset who has been performing at the highest level of the game for multiple seasons now. He is keen to seek out a new experience at Leinster and I’m sure we will learn a lot from each other during his time with us.
"The Barrett family have strong connections with Ireland and Leinster in particular, so it’s a sort of homecoming for Jordie.
"I’m sure all our supporters will be really excited to welcome one of the best players in the world and see up close what he brings to the team.
"We would also like to thank the New Zealand Rugby Union for their support with this move."
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