Jordie Barrett to Leinster… But Why?! | Big Jim Show

[@lawLess-fs1qx]

Fun times. Osborne training with Barrett every day for 6 months will speed up his development. Barrrett is stoked to train under Nienaber

[@Aidod27]

Osbourne, 6'4, when he proper fills out he'll be a hard man to stop, exciting player

[@101MIGHTYJOE]

Munster fan here. Leinster are able to splash the cash cos they constantly sell out 50000 plus home quarter and semi finals as well as selling out rds for nearly all home games. Also leinster players take up most of the central contracts cos they are the best players. I remember when munster had most of the central contracts with rog, paul o connell, o callaghan, david wallace etc so its up to munster, ulster and connacht to produce better players

[@amantedellopera1681]

Best comment I’ve ever read from a Munster supporter,you speak the truth unlike many who are jealous and go as far as support La Rochelle over Leinster,good for you,your a rare breed

[@ciaranbrk]

Wonderful comment and you are right.

[@davidbegan]

(Leinster fan) - Very good comment. Munster are current URC champions and it is a matter of time before they will start producing more good players. Also worth pointing out that Munster have a stronger history than Leinster. It is Connaught (demography etc) who need more assistance ex IRFU central.

[@alanmulcahy7749]

@@amantedellopera1681 I think there are different types of Irish rugby supporters, those who really love rugby and, for example, the sort of people who were booing ROG on Saturday...In my experience, playing the game as a child normally teaches kids manners & respect. The disrespect that some show really pisses me off. Allez les Bleus !

[@darraghtormey1500]

As a LRFC fan, I salute you 101MIGHTYJOE. How refreshing it is to come across a Munster fan who not only sees the wood from the trees, but is man enough to call it as it is and not resort to wearing non Irish club jerseys and supporting overseas teams out of pure spite. Some day, maybe, all Munster fans will be this mature. Again, hats off to you, sir.

[@Driver2616]

It’s taken the best part of 25 years for Leinster to get to where they are at the moment, from when they started to build their Academy, their playing team, the coaching team, all the business and admin structures, etc, etc, etc. Now they’re reaping the rewards of that lengthy period of foresight and the disciplined business approach by the club. Add to that now, the attraction that there is for overseas superstars to look to go to Leinster to play part of their career. It’s like a top class footballer looking to go to the likes of Real Madrid.

[@okkertgreyvenstein5765]

Thats what Jake White is doing at the bulls, anf yes it is taking time, but it will bear fruit, we bulls fans must just be patient. Enjoy your time at Leinster Jordie Barrett

[@alanmulcahy7749]

I think the province's overall game development plan has played a big part: Rolling out the underage coaching programmes to clubs, the regional games development officers, bringing the game into non rugby schools (& linking in clubs), etc. Horgan & SOB were exceptions at the time - Furlong, Carbery, Frawley, Aungier & Vakh ... Osborne (x2 or 3?), Lasisi, etc. are now just part of the 2nd pathway (clubs).

[@jmo8934]

It’s true. They were playing in front of one man and his dog 25 years ago at Donnybrook. If you had told me where they would be now I wouldn’t have believed it.

[@Driver2616]

@@jmo8934 Back as relatively recently as the period 1997 to 2002, there were some Leinster home games at Donnybrook where it would not have been unusual to have only 50 to 100 spectators. Now they can command crowds of 50,000 to 80,000 at major international stadiums like The Aviva and Croke Park in Dublin, many of whom were only born between 1997 and 2002.

[@alanmulcahy7749]

@@jmo8934 Yes,and I know a number people (male & female) who were that man !!!

[@keithburke552]

As a Connacht fan, Let’s face it more than ¾ of Leinster team are first team Irish players, they have the best academy players consistently coming through their ranks and in the country. Watching them over the weekend dominate La Rochelle, it’s just not fair! Leinster for the Rugby world cup in 2027… Best of luck to Jordie Barrett.

[@baneofbalor5881]

As a Leinster fan, I am glad that they're doing so well, but I also like to seeing the other provinces do well too. Hopefully they can provide a blueprint for the other provinces and that their financial success frees up funding for the other provinces. Fingers crossed David Humphreys follows through on his promise to put some focus back on the provinces.

[@robbielinton8695]

As a Leinster fan, but more and Irish Fan, I couldn't agree more. Irish Rugby is way out of balance and it's not great for Irish Rugby. It's all well and good now, but this will come back to bite us!

[@rhyswilliams4893]

The irish system is the envy of the NH but id back Wales to get further. A prime example of money doesnt fix all woes.

[@tomc2581]

How do people propose to "balance" the province system in Ireland then? People seem to think there's some kind of massive favouritism towards Leinster by the IRFU or that they have some fix? Leinster is run by the schools system, these then supply the academy and the academy then supplies the first team. Players want to play for the province they're from and grown up supporting so would people suggest sending them elsewhere even if they don't wish to go? Leinster created their own system, other provinces can feel free to go ahead and rely on a private schools system if they wish but this moaning about something being unfair needs to stop. It's like listening to GAA fans complain about the Dubs being too good 🤣

[@rhyswilliams4893]

@@tomc2581 you basically answered your own question... Ireland is real small and players move to the leinster feeder schools. The whole system is top notch but obviously they are adding something to the water in dublin.

[@davidbegan]

Sports fan & Leinster supporter - Hello Jim, positive analysis and perspective. I cannot wait to see JB in a Leinster jersey. Irish rugby continues to evolve and develop. The unigue "club by province" in IRL has meant the fan base has great growth potential. Leinster went from a Dublin 4 Club in 2009 to a Leinster wide fan base over the following 15 years. It was amazing to see soccer premiership jerseys being replaced with Leinster tops over the years and in my area that included the local council estate. This increases the commercial success. However, we need to see a better improvement balance with Connaught and Ulster. Munster URC champions are also on the way back and have the history (more than Leinster). For now, I am waiting to buy my tickets for Croke Park, another historical landmark. I spent my younger days on Hill 16 supporting Dublin!😀

[@gavindoyle692]

Hi Jim. As a Leinster fan, I love the signing. It has shades of Rocky Elsom’s short stint in 2009, or Brad Thorn’s in 2012, both of which resulted in Heineken Cups. If we can finally get that monkey off our back and nab that 5th star this season, then next season with this signing and Snyman’s, our boys in blue could be truly unleashed. Sayonara! 💙

[@HereIam-rg3vy]

Why are people saying Ireland is full? Oh of course it’s selective 😂

[@barryholland8280]

Maybe he’s a mole?!

[@aaronforde9608]

Big spenders? LaRochelle have 4 times Leinsters budget. The Barretts lived in Ireland for about 2 years around 20 years ago, they have Irish grandparents and still have friends in the area. They used to play GAA in the local town. There is a strong link there and fair play

[@SmcdMcd-d2k]

Exactly:. You would think the surname would make people think 😂

[@mattg6902]

LaRochelle have 4 times Leinsters budget. ??? "you made that up! and you know you did"

[@conorewings9345]

Bad journalism by sports media imagine my shock

[@RazorMouth]

Nahh you're wrong, when a portion of the IRFU central contract spend is added to Leinsters player budget it's roughly the same as the average French club, actually it's probably a couple of million higher but yeah roughly the same.

[@Kenny-zn6dl]

Jacques nienabar is going to be the next irish coach, he was brought into leinster to win another one or two European champions cups which he most likely will, but this irish international team need to win a world cup giving the amount of talent in the country, a few very interesting years ahead

[@garystewart3312]

Probably my favourite Podcaster and this video shows why, passion, knowledge, pragmatic, fair, lack of arrogance - top notch Rugger content!

[@paolozmm]

Not to mention Barrett will have his pen and pad out furiously taking notes.... The benefits will certainly be two ways

[@johnmc3862]

Rugbys hidden camera show.

[@rianpp3696]

To learn from Jacques

[@wewhofly]

Why do Leinster need Barrett? Well, em......... the publiciteeeeee? It's already working. Barrett, Leinster, interest, comments, podcasts, interviews, shirts; money ... and Barrett gets to add an identity to his career that is shared by Elsom, Schmidt, Nacewa, Nathan Hines, O'Driscoll, Contepomi, Brad Thorn, Cheika, Lancaster and Nienaber. If I was a rugby player from any part of the world, part of me would want to play for Leinster at some point. It has that allure.

[@user-is9of]

But usually leinster don't want players doing interviews and podcasts but I do agree it's to bring in more eyes to the actual rugby

[@mrhairyman]

They are also going to be without 15-20 players for a big chunk of the season between December and May 2025. Having someone like Barrett to cover and support the youngsters is pretty great.

[@davos4268]

And Barret gets to play for the best team in world rugby, earn some dollar and experience living and playing overseas. Team affiliations aside, who wouldn’t want that!

[@DTOPShows]

They need Barret because he is world class....! gonna make a big difference..

[@wewhofly]

@user-lg9ls8jq4n That's why they want him, not why Leinster 'need' him. Ulster need, Munster need, Connacht need. Leinster is one of the least needy teams in Europe.

[@oj4249]

Leinster really said: “we want the Viking Snyman, the South African minister of Defence Nienaber and one of the Barrett brothers please”. 🤣. This just once again confirms URC=best league.

[@thomaskennedy1617]

They're eyeing up the heineken champions cup rather.

[@jlsimonable]

Yes URC winning the last 3 European championships........;)

[@stevenbissett]

URC might be the best league, but your national team still can't make it past a QF. Bunch of chockers.

[@brucejp1]

@@stevenbissett what a negative person you are !

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

@@stevenbissett Change the record, it’s v boring, plus not talking about National team, talking about Leinster.

[@aidanosullivan830]

Great chat Jim, love your enthusiasm. Super excited for the future.

[@Camcolito]

Jim would be big in Japan.

[@garytaylor6408]

Boom boom, alphaville baby.🤪

[@tjobrien8436]

Munster fan here. Let's face the fact, Dublin must be the greatest rugby city in the world. Just look at the players they produce. Phenomenal. Ireland v the all blacks, more like Dublin v the.all blacks. Well done to them. Some structures they have in place

[@martinmcdonald4207]

It`s great that all European rugby fans will get to see this world class player in the flesh for 6 months, not that Leinster are short on talent but this will give their game that extra strenght. All the younger Leinster lads will learn from Jordie Barrett.

[@bikeman9899]

Rugby nowadays is in the entertainment business. Leinster seem to do a very good job of filling the RDS, and last weekend the Aviva. Makes you want to watch. Great for Leinster, and the URC as a whole.

[@johnmc3862]

​@Askym58072I'd say favourtism already exists.

[@alanmulcahy7749]

I think Leinster's secret has been marrying the growth of the game at a local level with astute commercial development. For example, the players turning up at the kids club training and then the half time minis both help kids and parents feel part of the Leinster rugby family. I think the minis also get their photo taken with a couple of the non playing players - that's Leinstertainment !

[@johncurtin5606]

Makes perfect sense. He can play full back, centre, and wing when Leinster's Irish players are away in the six nations. That is when Leinster win URC matches to keep them top of the table. Later in the Champions Cup knock-out stages, he will be ace.

[@roscokillian]

Thanks Jim. Very accurate stuff, and a good understanding of what Leinster are trying to do.

[@peterquinlan4272]

All those players named and you missed two of the three test lions in the squad (Conan & Henshaw) Says it all about the depth 😬

[@invino1475]

Still think if you watch super rugby, it’s still faster and more skilful especially in broken play compared to northern rugby, even at the standard Leinster play at - barret will love it

[@Ophelia771]

Extra ticket sale in the Aviva while the RDS is being renovated. It'll be exciting for the 6 months.

[@dirkvoltaar]

Imagine how much all the Leinster and Ireland players are going to learn from Jordie Barrett! It’s going to be amazing.

[@readesiun988]

Imagine how much Barrett is going to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of Leinster/Irelands players and structures and going back to Razor armed to the teeth with information.

[@johnmc3862]

Other way round. Schmidt already imparted a lot of that information.

[@readesiun988]

@@johnmc3862 While Schmidt no doubt had a lot of information and no doubt used it against us, things and a lot of players and structures have changed dramatically since his reign. I doubt very much Barrett is going to give away too much about the AB's structure, from his own words he is coming to learn as much as possible. While on the face of it it is a great look for promoting Rugby, the reality is extremely sneaky behind the scenes. It would be very naïve to think that this advantage is not firmly in NZ's favour. We already have arguably one of the best full backs in the world as well as one of the best centre's and outside centre's. So who are they going to drop for six months.

[@MrBannajo]

​@readesiun988 yeah especially with a world club cup in a few years be great ip for the Hurricanes if they make the cut that is

[@dirkvoltaar]

I was thinking more about how the players were going to learn from being around an All Black great. That must be a fantastic experience, especially for younger players.

[@darraghtormey1500]

RDS is set to undergo a massive redevelopment and Leinster will be playing their home games in the Aviva Stadium in' 24/'25 season. They know that even LRFC would struggle to fill that venue every other week, so get some huge marquee signings to help ticket sales. Great business strategy. Onward and upward we go!!

[@unleashedmystery]

Tadgh Furlong = freak athlete Did you not see him lift Skelton and the other tackles he made vs La Rochelle?

[@johnmcintyre800]

That's what he means his hands,steps,tackling and scrumaging

[@stxdm15m63]

Lovely hands for the try

[@rianpp3696]

He was a bottle job at the world cup though

[@thenayancat8802]

Tadhg*. The dh is sort of a "y" sound. The D in "Tadgh" would be hard

[@bernieob9577]

Absolutely

[@avrilgardiner9111]

And I heared it first on the Big Jim Show. Probably the caption which caught my eye. I normally follow 2 other podcasts and give Big Jim a skip but it's now on my list.

[@jasonwall5012]

2:16 this is Dan Sheehan's first Central contract. He's been on a provincial contract. Sexton retured, Jenkins leaving, Charlie ngatai leaving. They bring in RG, then barrett on a 6 month deal. Dan Sheehan takes Sextons central contract. So that leaves pretty much 2 players wages well 3 if you count the Central contract. 9:06 Leinster built their world class system that took over 20 year to do. Leinster started from scratch and built it "from the Ground up", thats what thats their slogan. the IRFU worked with the Leinster board. This was happening when Munster were on top in Ireland and in Europe. There was problems coming down the road for munster, there set up wasn't substaneable, over spending on marquee players, year in year out. Not investing in their grassroots, schools or academy and so on. Theres a case for Connacht and Ulster as these 2 arentreated like a second taught bybthe IRFU, the boards of those 2 need to set up a proper play with the IRFU. Maybe if munster stopped blaming everyone else buit themselves and their board and CEO on nit running their club better they might finally copy the Leinster system like they were told to do years ago.

[@inBODwetrust13]

Ulster's self-imposed xenophobia still going strong within its club and school system isn't exactly helping matters either.

[@gerryrafferty7500]

Done it before with Rocky Ellison and this is a way to Increase the drive and pull of young to the sport we in competition with GAA

[@MrBlack_nz]

Jordie Barrett has sort of had a weird career in NZ because he’s been used heavily as a utility player. At the World Cup he was a Swiss Army knife for us playing as 12 but also covering flanker and fullback. Goal Kicking and crash ball running. Jacque will use him very well and I believe he will surprise a few people

[@2halves12]

maybe you mean wing and fullback rather than flanker?

[@morrisanderson818]

The coach at the World cup, didn't know if he was Arthur or Martha himself, always hoped Razor would have been appointed,but the boss of the NZRFU, isn't any better either

[@kiaoragin]

Leinster will be playing at the Avivia much more next season, while the RDS gets a face lift, and this will help fill some of those seats. Its a good move but has its drawbacks too as Leinster are stacked in their back line and those second string players will now have to wait a bit longer. At the same time they get to train alongside Jordie Barrett. I'm looking forward to seeing him play in the URC.

[@inBODwetrust13]

It basically means Keenan will get more of a rest as Barrett will be playing most of his rugby at 15. Rumour is that Frawley is being forced up to Ulster, and Ngatai is obviously moving on, so there's a hole in Leinster's squad already

[@Kid_Senekal]

Always wonder how these deals come about. This is probably a case of the player's agent reaching out to a handful of clubs and sees who bites? Nice signing either way.

[@gerryrafferty7500]

In Leinster on a Sunday morning you will see a lot of the Leinster first 15 at the clubs encouraging the under 12 ( before they start at school)

[@morrisanderson818]

Jordie grew up there when he was 4 when his Dad worked on a dairy farm and played rugby there as well,he wants to catch up with family and friends, and play a different style of footy I guess,

[@ljawgtn1393]

I agree that would be probably right

[@Powertoyah32]

Barrett’s Grandparents are from oldcastle in Meath, he lived there for a short period with his parents before moving back to NZ

[@loughatalia]

Extraordinary .! Looking foward to his Debut for Leinster 😂😂 A Brave Statement of Intent ❤❤

[@razeenmeyer9728]

Strategic move. Razor gave his blessing and certainly is aware of the gold in the form of intel for All Blacks camp.

[@MattConnolly-wi8oh]

Amazing, can't wait to see him in blue. Leinster's off the field performance should be looked at by other teams. Lot of sour grapes on this signing but other clubs need to promote and drive the integration of the supporters more. The promotion of the team, players, club and engagement of the supporters is near as important as delivering on the field. Compare Leinster's home grown talent to any other club and if bettered then you can complain about the odd stand out external recruit. Also look at the recruitment and investment in Nienaber too, crazy good management team. Clubs need to take responsibility for filling their stands, getting their supporters engaged and make them feel like they're part of the future of the club. A marquee signing or two cannot do all that.

[@rynofredrickpostma6215]

@Jim, I would love to see an interview with Jordie Barret. The PSDT battle in the WC final was epic. We’ve heard from the champions, and hopefully soon from Ardie & Brodie, but getting insights from Jordie would be interesting

[@MrRoGoNow]

As a Munster fan I have zero issue with Leinster signing the likes of Snyman or Barrett, quite the opposite happy for them to be playing in Ireland. Issue I have is when the IRFU dictate to other provinces who they can sign for the greater good of Ireland. Surely it's more beneficial for the likes of Crowley to be going deeper in competitions? Let Munster, Connacht and Ulster have more NIQ players if that's what they need right now.

[@andrewkelly7065]

The rules set out by the IRFU are the same for all 4 teams in Ireland lad

[@MrRoGoNow]

@@andrewkelly7065 I'm aware. Meanwhile Leinster are head and shoulders above the other provinces. Maybe each province should get an equal amount of central contracts? We could put Beirne, Crowley, POM and Casey on them and then sign the likes of Barrett with the extra cash we have. Or better yet we could entice Osborne or Kelleher down south with a central contract or more money/game time. IRFU is hampering other provinces and rewarding Leinster right now.

[@daithipol]

​@MrRoryG you can't be handing our CCs for the sake of it. I'd prefer to see the future players like Ahearn Edogbo Quinn having their wages helped than past it players. What is it with munster fans hanging on the over the hill players like POM Zebo Murray etc.. move on.

[@MrRoGoNow]

@@daithipol I'm merely highlighting the imbalance. The IRFU can't keep expecting the other provinces to play ball for the sake of Irish rugby to their own detriment whilst Leinster go from strength to strength. P.S. I doubt any Leinster fan would begrudge POM getting a CC considering Sexton was as old as the coaches when he finished 🙂

[@amantedellopera1681]

@@MrRoGoNowneither o Mahoney or Casey are good enough,certainly Casey is not,and Pete is on the way out

[@kingsprintskilkennykevinki1409]

The RDS will be closing for renovations for a while,and will be playing mostly in the much larger Aviva which they'll struggle to fill without box office players like Barrett and RG

[@tommybyrne5745]

Amazing news and a brilliant podcast , love your chanell Tom in where else Leinster Ireland 😂🏆💪

[@barryduff7533]

The salty Munster fans who believe it's all a big international conspiracy against them are missing out on the players free will. Jordie had more lucrative options to follow all the other ABs to Japan for his sabbatical but choose Leinster not only because of the levels of success but also because of his own connection. The Barratts spent years in Meath as kids and still have family there.

[@ddeckster]

RWC was not sold out, I was there. But I appreciate your overall perspective and insights

[@eoin8156]

Larmour , Keenan and obrien are all injury prone that’s why . And Barrett can play 10/12 too which have been problem positions for Leinster.

[@bro3545]

Big Jim, the actual Man. Cheers.

[@peterdoyle3959]

Great podcast Jim 👍

[@johndevoy5792]

you nailed it...'100.000 fans over a couple of games'...but note, that's Ireland for you. They 'do' fans pretty good. Remember in Paris Irl vs RSA ...fans.

[@thesaint8400]

As an Ulster fan, Leinster are reaping the rewards from smart planning. They've built the best ground-up system in club rugby, they manage their finances well and they've made a winning culture.

[@ljawgtn1393]

How about this for food for thought. The Barrett boys come from a small Taranaki NZ, town of 3 or 400. Thats 300 to 400, not 300,000 - 400,000. His Dad moved the family to Ireland to play Rugby himself, the boys spent some of their childhood living there. Now Jordie has an opportunity through his sporting talent, to go back to Ireland a place he has fond memories of to play our beautiful game - to mix it up a bit, to live life, to have some of the happy experiences for his own family as he experienced as a child!! And as for the term "splashing cash" well that's not a term or an act lil' old NZ is familiar with!! It seems like the Barretts brothers, to the world, are bigger than we realise in NZ. He's a good guy a quintessential humble NZ All Black. Be happy you get to share him and part of his journey for awhile (but just not too long we don't want him going entirely green) above all he probably just wants to be treated like any other normal human being would.

[@operatorhoot470]

The jury is still out on RGS, he's a fantastic player..... when he's fit. 11 games in 4 years for Munster, yet still manages more games for SA in 18 months. Somethings not right there.

[@88Eoghan]

Yeah I'm not sure his was the wisest signing looking at his Munster career.

[@drdecco1]

It’ll be interesting to see if softer (natural turf] pitches and different S&C will make a difference to his playability stats

[@88Eoghan]

@@drdecco1 Softer pitches, you referring to the fake pitch they have over in Musgrave?

[@seanmcmanus867]

He’s a natural at this podcast and communication stuff. Listening particularly. Compare this others, and far superior.

[@roger_melly5025]

Exciting news!!!! I'm so looking forward to seeing him in blue. Shame Connacht couldn't get him 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@alanmulcahy7749]

Luckily for us that his Irish family are not from Mayo...& you are still not getting Doris back 😀 !

[@roger_melly5025]

@@alanmulcahy7749 How did you guess I'm from Mayo? 😂😂

[@alanmulcahy7749]

@@roger_melly5025 I just chose Mayo cos of Doris...given that Henshaw & Athlone is "provincially" confusing. And you are not having either of them back !!! On the other hand, I was a bit worried with Aungier, and then Illo going west...

[@roger_melly5025]

@@alanmulcahy7749 OK Alan I doubt whether Caelan would come back anyway. The reality is that the Leinster set-up is excellent. How do you see the semi-final going?

[@alanmulcahy7749]

@@roger_melly5025 Leinster can win if they play as well as QF (& should be favourites). But a game of rugby requires a team to turn up and perform well to win. So fingers crossed. Given the history, I only felt comfortable on Saturday in the last 10 minutes. I have watched it back since and it was more one sided than it felt like in the stands.

[@BurgerKraemer]

Can't wait for your review on Chasing the Sun 2 Episode 4. When will it be released?

[@TheBigJimShow]

In a few hours

[@bunnychowmuncher]

Ohayo Gazaimasu. I think this proves rugby is heading the same way as football and will be more so in ten years from now.

[@charleswindsor1184]

Sorry Jimbo, Dupont is still the dominant 9 in rugby, football, ice hockey even basketball. Yes he's that good. Look forward to following your pod man

[@gerryrafferty7500]

The Leinster school cup final is played at the Avila and is pretty full

[@ProTantoQuid]

The key to the Leinster budget is certainly the attendances at Aviva and (soon) Croke Park. The reason for doubling -up for the period of the latter end of URC and the competitive European phases is clear - to counter the debilitating effects of trips to SA which have been harming the integtity of both competitions. What price Leinster winning European and URC tropies next year, and winning their games in SA during that sequence? Better than sending weakened teams to SA isn't it? Shame that it is necessary.

[@johnokeeffe1057]

I agree jim with you and your comments. One reflection on how you talked about the star studded leinster etc. But you did not note that the French teams are stacked with international players , look at la rochelle ? . Compare any of top French teams to leinster . Most of lenster are home grown , and not bought in players. You do point out jgp and lowe but these were players not getting the space in nz. They were brave enough to invest in themselves and come , and the rest is history. But in essence they have all got better because of the leinster set up. All to compete with the saracnes and toulouse and la rochelle s etc. So saries started this and leinster set up a a way ro compete and make it entertaining . So invested in the game and club , but not to the cost of the leinstr er feeder. Keep up the good work

[@shaunlahert5763]

Toulouse have Ramos, Kinghorn, Capuozzo and Cruz Mallía that is 4 international full backs from 4 different countries...

[@hpmmiggie]

fantastic for rugby yes. just hope another club on the planet can gain a similar profile

[@nealsweeney9383]

Great summary Jim , Cullen is a great guy , but super intellect & selfless bringing in Lancaster & Nienaber - just need a replacement prop and we’re sorted . Barrett (Messi) coming to Leinster , Munster rebuilding nicely , Connacht need more marquee players & Ulster is a huge WIP for Richie murphy 🏉🏉😂

[@robinwolahan6303]

Totally agree!!

[@niallormond6972]

If tupou comes and replaces aalatoa be crazy all 3 replacements are upgrades

[@niallormond6972]

@Hometruths29 yeah not added a whole lot in any department isint the best scrummager at all then that red card in the final

[@inBODwetrust13]

​@@niallormond6972in fairness to him he was two poor decisions away from both finals being won. In 2022 he clearly won a clean turnover which Barnes wrongly penalised him for. Then last year, the clear out that Colombes faked injury from was identical to the one inflicted on Ala'alatoa himself minutes earlier to facilitate La Rochelle's try. Any consistency in officiating and Leinster would've won

[@joelyons886]

The names you mentioned Jim were ALL less RJ/JB developed and came through the Leinster set up even JGP/Lowe were developed and became the players they are now as a result of Leinster.

[@TheBigJimShow]

💯

[@mickwhytee4]

He is only coming to Leinster for 6 months .. I think it will be great for NH, champions cup, URC and Leinster players to have someone like that in his team.. all those other players are home grown except for Lowe & JGP Leinster foundation is from academy

[@Matt-bg5wg]

Big D bringing the facts 🙌🏼

[@celticbedou]

Anyone watched : Dave Gallagher Irelands greatest All Black. Great watch and a good Donegal Man. Big Jim you need to watch that doc.

[@ljawgtn1393]

@celticbedou want to highlight your name but don't know how! After your mention of "Irelands greatest All Black" I found it and watched it. To tell the truth I found it very moving. Of course I knew who Dave Gallaher was but didn't know he was originally from Ireland and at first wondered if you perhaps meant John Gallagher, another great All Black with Irish heritage who was in NZ working as a policeman in the late 80s. The thing that really took me aback though, was the "fever-pitch" around the All Blacks coming to town. I know we think the team is absolutely everything and love that we hold our own and some, in the Rugby World, and we go on and on and are proud of our dominant history, but much like the buzz around Jordie in this video, I didn't realise the All Blacks were quite "that" massive, like Royalty massive almost, on the other side of the world!! Although it is going back a couple of decades now too. A lot of All Blacks themselves have come from small places just like Letterkenny, it would have been very humbling for them to be there I'm sure. Thanks for bringing it up, for this Kiwi girl it was a lovely story. 🏴 😂

[@alanmcguinness3385]

As a dub I am delighted Leinster have signed Geordie Barret.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

As a Kiwi I think Jordie, has skills beyond his age. Not a Christian Cullen. He's better!

[@nepiahemopo1702]

I must also add. He also has Irish ancestry and seems proud of the fact.

[@joeyjoejoeshabadoo]

The whinging about "thats not fair, you dont have a salary cap" is pathetic The salary cap is in place because English club owners have acted like a cartel, by agreeing to limit how much they pay for labour. If you wanna cry foul about anything, cry foul that there is a salary cap in England, rather than there isnt in Ireland. Jim wasn't really having a go, so this isnt really directed at him, more that this narrative exists at all

[@paddyhenry8995]

Like many multi H cup winners within the last 10-15 years(, Saras , Toulon) buying to build and win it

[@garydillon5033]

Apparently the RDS is to be renovated so Leinster will play their home games at the aviva, barrett is a media tactic to sell more tickets for the period when they are in the bigger stadium

[@as1r6536]

I can't wait for the game in Croke Park!! Sold out in 1 day!!! 84k!

[@drumkit96]

Munster fan here.. no problem

[@RazorMouth]

Leinster has a total of 32 backroom coaches/physios etc. 6 frontline coaches inc. head coach LOL, insane really. 38 coaches and 45 capped players

[@johnkilcullen]

James Lowe has recounted that he knew little about Leinster when they approached him. He met Graham Henry at a social event and asked him what he thought. Henry advised him to go, saying Leinster had a great set-up. Lowe also said that when he arrived he was amazed to find Leinster had 4 full-time physios. He said (as best I remember) that at Chiefs there was one full-time and one part-time physio.

[@Quilty2]

They had Brad Thorn as well Jim.

[@briancurtis5796]

I have to say I am gutted by this series of events. I started to really feel this last year in the build to the World Cup where Leinster got all the 50/50 call in terms of squad selection (fully accepting they are the best and they play regularly together) but still felt that it exacerbated the imbalance. Followed by Snyman and Barrett with Toupu to follow. We seem to learn lessons very slowly in rugby. This to me is the equivalent of the NBA champions or supper bowl champs being given all the first round draft picks and everyone else being told to do better.

[@ljawgtn1393]

Thats a comment not looking at the personal big picture for Jordie

[@johnmc3862]

I am asking the same question. Why if just for 10 or 11 games.

[@johnryan509]

Welcome to Tokyo, if you fancy a pint let me know 😉

[@celticlofts]

And the next game in Ireland is in Croke Park, an 83,000 seater and it's sold out.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

Omg you missed Jack Conan! Mighty player!

[@Driver2616]

I suppose it’s no surprise that the best players want to play for the best teams, Leinster in rugby and Real Madrid, Barcelona & Bayern Munich in football.

[@inBODwetrust13]

Barrett will be coming in largely to give Keenan a break and cover for inevitable injuries (e.g. like Ringrose, Keenan and O'Brien this season). Frawley is reportedly moving on, which, coupled with Ngatai leaving and a lot of injury prone players, leaves Leinster short across the backs.

[@LanarkLarry]

Lol that's exactly what I said, If I was Hugo Keenan, I would have a bit of a problem with that, lol also do they really need him on the roster?

[@niallormond6972]

If you were hugo you'd probably be glad , he's been flogged with being number 1 choice for club and Country and has been picking up little niggles last few months because of it, it's only a 6 month deal anyway

[@coldphinger]

Why did you go to Gloucester and then Montepllier while still a Scotland international Big Jim...? Probably becasue you fancied a change.. Barret at 27 has played all his Rugby in NZ. He had other offers, but Leinster & Ireland offer style and structure that he will fit in to easily, and player welfare is a big thing in Ireland too due to player number shortages, which has got to be attractive to a player looking to have a long career...

[@ladybugm6872]

We are going to have to teach you to say the Afrikaans SA names. I think we need to have an afrikaans lesson when you come over!!

[@Aidod27]

Caelan "me aul" Doris 😂

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Syman let munster down.12 games in three season,s..syman is not good for leinster,s budget. Leinster are not stupid trial him then if keep,s up his injuries out the door..another thing leinster rugby is for posh irish third level schools my irish friend was telling me. He grew up in ireland he has never seen a rugby ball.not played in irish schools.i was amazed when I heard this.?

[@fawltyoldboybasil.2178]

'...leinster rugby is for posh irish third level schools' - that old tired chestnut again. There's a lengthy history regarding team sports with the round/oval ball in Ireland. Soccer & Rugby & Cricket were referred to as 'Garrison Sports' (meaning brought in by the British when they controlled Ireland prior to 1921). After Ireland gained independence in '21, the Irish Government (& Catholic Church) took over the education system. Native sports (Gaelic Football & Hurling) were prioritized - in fact, players who participated in any of the 'foreign sports' were literally banned from the native sports!! The IRFU never adopted such a policy towards the native sports. The governing body for the native sports, the GAA, were openly hostile to schools & clubs that played Rugby and Soccer. Unintentionally I believe, these actions & attitudes by the GAA helped establish this narrative & image about 'posh Irish third level schools' playing rugby. It's only in the last 20 years that the GAA changed its attitude towards the sport and its participants.

[@Mojo16011973]

It's November 1st 2027, Ireland v New Zealand in the RWC Qtr final in Sydney. JB has long since completed his recce mission to Ireland and is the key reason Ireland are eliminated before the Semis in yet another RWC. Just kidding. Great signing.

[@conanmcdonnell7390]

Correction: JB is watching on from the stands since his former Leinster teammates have accidentally broken four of his toes 🙂

[@Mako-V]

Yet qtr final merchants iland lose...yet again 😂​@conanmcdonnell7390

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

​​@@Mako-V I can,t see kiwi,s getting out of pool stages.the state of sader,s.😂😂😂😂 chief,s😂😂.tell mcgenzie he needs more practice on his garden gnome.?😂😂😂😂😂

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

​@@Mako-V can you deal with that spud.😂😂😂😂

[@Mako-V]

@@michaelmoynihan9591 ye nation overwhelmed with Muslims, Europe as a whole has fallen 😳😭😭😭

[@richard-king-]

Hold on, what do you know about Tupou?

[@wernernel113]

Hate to correct you there Jim but its not RG Snyman. Its Ragnar son of Snyman. 🤣

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Are you sure it doesn't mean hospital patient.😂😂😂😂

[@greenplasticgun]

Rumor has it he got an offer from a Japanese club as well but decided to stay as far away from PSDT as possible.

[@inBODwetrust13]

The Japanese club in question was the one PSDT played for....

[@greenplasticgun]

@@inBODwetrust13 what? Did he actually get an offer from PSDT club? I was making a joke about his World Cup PSDT PTSD.

[@jamesgerardmccarthy2897]

WHY NOT

[@johnswan6759]

You forgot Robbie Henshaw. Freek athleate

[@atoms-to-atoms]

Leinster ..Manu city of rugby!

[@Nieljoyceniel]

That is any french team. They can’t have more than 4 non Irish qualified players in a squad, they have developed all but 5 from scratch.

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Jordie want,s to go back have a look where he is from.irish grandparents irish ancestors. More irish blood than any kiwi blood.why not.im aussie irish I go back see my relatives. Why not. Fact.😂😂😂😂

[@jamesmac-q8z]

more than bundi aki for sure

[@JTAIT-b7g]

Borderline illiterate is what you are Mike.

[@morrisanderson818]

​@@jamesmac-q8z😂😂😂

[@polobhuilean5217]

Dude, watched the Steelers and Toshiba play to a 40-40 draw on Sunday, great show. Well done Leinster on getting to the semis with Northampton having to play at the “holy grail of Irish” grounds, “Croke Park” (not often y’a see rugby being played there) and with an over “80,000 capacity” that’s going tae be a big one ☝️… If y’a get tae Kobe drop by the “Copacabana” for a big boy drink 🍺 !!

[@raphaelkavanagh6950]

Leinster are not as some may think a Dublin team, Kildare, Wexford, Carlow, Wicklow, Westmeath ,Dublin, Meath all play important roles in the success of this team.

[@JohnSmith-wo2fz]

Hold the phone. The pajamas in the hotel room in Japan.. fit someone who is like 6'8? Whaaaa?

[@drdecco1]

What with Leinster swallowing most of the central contracts and being the origin for a huge majority of the financial base, supporters/population base & fount of young player sources they are going from strength to strength - Yes, great for Leinster but what risk/danger of other provinces failing while the Pale prospers? - could Connacht be the first to fall?…. then Ulster…? Leinster & Ireland becoming essentially the same? A one team island….. I suspect this may sound less attractive even to the blue-spectacled.

[@dirkloots548]

I reckon the NZ players are just bored... oi, Jordi... when last l 10:15 ast you got hit by RG Snyman mate? 😅

[@mollyoko]

Lowe & Gibson Park were nowhere near playing for the AB's Jim. It's only under the Irish system that their development has made them the players they are now. Ireland has 1/4 the professional players of NZ, Eng, France and others so the coaching quality and investment in players is paramount for any kind of success. IRFU have been very smart in the last decade and shown a willingness to learn, especially from al the 1/4 final defeats and performance anxiety etc. While South African fans may jibe about Ireland never reaching a semi final its really a fear for when they do.

[@JTAIT-b7g]

Lowe was a Maori All Black (a team that has beaten Ireland & just about every other nation) just one level below being an actual AB & was certainly in contention to make the step up..these are elite NZ rugby players lets not pretend they were bums before they got to Ireland.

[@nepiahemopo1702]

​@user-eq9jv5uf7d I concur. Lowe was outstanding but was overlooked for higher honors. He's made a fist of his misfortune and continues the form we know he has.

[@JTAIT-b7g]

@@nepiahemopo1702 Just unlucky for JL that wing is probably the most contested position in NZ..I have no problem with Kiwis playing for Ireland but get a bit irked when they suggest genetics & growing up playing rugby in NZ isn't what made these guys..surely they could just coach up Irish players to be as good if that was the case .)

[@nepiahemopo1702]

@@JTAIT-b7g Yeah, you raise some good points.

[@countycricklewood]

Taking the place of a possible Irish lad and possible international or academy player

[@wewhofly]

Six months? Maybe about 10 games? Maybe only 35 to 40 minutes per game? All that will ruin the opportunities for life of the proverbial Irish lad?