Jordie Barrett will bring something different to Leinster - Jamison Gibson-Park

admin admin | 04-18 00:15

Competing on two fronts at the business end of the season, it would appear that Leinster are again on the cusp of proving the complete package in club rugby.

Coming off the back of beating the European champions, La Rochelle, at the weekend, Leo Cullen's side are off to South Africa for a couple of United Rugby Championship games as they look to continue their dominance in this year’s competition.

And with a Champions Cup semi-final to look forward to early next month against Northampton Saints, Leinster have a very strong chance of securing a record-equalling fifth European Cup.

Just two wins away from matching Toulouse atop that particular table, Cullen’s side are planning to get the job done at the third time of asking, having lost the last two finals.

And yet, with so much to look forward to for the remaining weeks of the current campaign, the Dublin-based club are already planning for next season with a significant signing signalling their intentions to maintain that domination.

The arrival of All Blacks star Jordie Barrett into the Leinster ranks may be seen by some as a luxury signing, an unnecessary addition of quality into an already stellar back line.

However, for Leinster, it is a chance to work with one of the world’s best players, where he will bring added strength on the pitch while also tapping into his knowledge on and around the training ground.

"Something different" is how scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park described his arrival, with the Leinster scrum-half keen to work and learn alongside the explosive Barrett.

"He brings something a little bit different, and his view on the game may be a little bit different to what we normally experience, and he will be awesome for the younger players to learn from for sure."

"The sheer size of the bloke for a start, he’s massive, he loves the contact, but he has all the silky skills as well and a massive boot," he added, when asked about Barrett’s best attributes.

"He’s an all-round player, he can play in a lot of different positions so I’m looking forward to seeing him go."

The Ireland scrum-half has been very pleased with how things have gone in recent weeks and while he understands that it allows the squad to look forward to a big finish to the season, he urged caution, maintaining a one-game-at-a-time approach.

"We look back on the last couple of fixtures with a lot pride in the way we performed," he said, having beaten Ronan O'Gara’s side in the quarter-finals.

"The way we showed up was because of how much respect we have for La Rochelle.

"We had an awesome week’s preparation and that was because of the team we were playing. We tried to leave no stone unturned, and you have to when you come up against a team like that.

"This time of the year is awesome and it’s why we play the game. Coming into warmer days, dry days, playing running rugby, I love it, so I’m looking forward to it.

Gibson-Park and other provincial players pictured at Bank of Ireland announcement

"We have a couple of fixtures in South Africa and will be looking to get a few points and then on to the semi in Croker.

"We can’t look past that. Northampton are absolutely flying at the moment so it will be a tough game for us."

And speaking of that Champions Cup semi-final decider at the GAA headquarters, Gibson-Park is confident that the huge Leinster support can bring the numbers across the River Liffey.

"It’s a massive stadium so it will be no easy feat," said Gibson-Park. "But they showed up for the last couple of fixtures so we’re hoping they will do the same again."

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