‘Money a serious component’ – All Black Jordie Barrett confirms ‘top’ reasons for Leinster move

All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett has revealed why he decided to sign for Leinster after his short-term deal was announced earlier in the week.

The hugely talented Hurricanes star, who is adept at either centre or full-back, agreed a six-month contract with the Irish province which starts in December 2024.

It is part of his new deal with New Zealand Rugby which will keep him in the country until the end of 2028 at the very least.

Ireland over Japan

Most All Blacks tend to take their sabbaticals in Japan but Barrett has decided to go on a different path, instead plying his trade in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.

Canes CEO Avan Lee stated that the 27-year-old could have earned more money in Asia and, although the centre admitted that the extra financial benefits there was something to consider, he revealed that there were more factors in his decision to select Leinster.

“[Money] is certainly a serious component. For different individuals, that can be at the top of the tree or somewhere a little further down,” he told Newstalk ZB.

“I put my development and my experiences, and my thinking of coming back and trying to be a better rugby player and a better All Black and a better Hurricane, right at the top of that tree. That took priority over all the other options I had.

“My eyes were only ever heading towards Japan and having a wee stint there. But Leinster put an offer forward, and basically just the prestige of their club and what they’ve done in the past and the direction they’re heading in the future really stuck out and excited me.”

‘He could have earned more’ – Jordie Barrett rejected lucrative offers to join Leinster

More demanding

By choosing Europe, he will have a much more demanding few months than his New Zealand team-mates who move to Japan.

All Blacks tend to take up options in Asia as a way of earning more money and playing a good standard of rugby while also refreshing their bodies.

Japan Rugby League One is considered less physical than the European leagues and tournaments, and Barrett will go straight into following the conclusion of New Zealand’s end-of-year tour.

“There’s a bit of a balance. In the past, sabbaticals have been for All Blacks who have played X number of Tests,” he said.

“It was almost time to re-energise and change the environment, just to come back and set yourself up better to add longevity to your career.

“That was the forefront of my decision as well, but I saw it as a great opportunity to go to a place where I believe I’ll come back a better rugby player.”

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