JORDIE BARRETTS MOVE TO LEINSTER

[@murraymicha]

Irish fans won't be surprised. You may be unaware that the Barrett brothers attended primary school in Ireland and played Gaelic games (football and hurling) in their youth in Ireland before their parents (they have Irish grandparents) took the family back to New Zealand. The connections with Irish relatives is strong. Welcome back, Jordie!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Bonza Murray, great add mate, thank you.

[@murraymicha]

@@insiderugbywithmark Enjoy your thoughtful game reviews - and previews. I've learned from Irish sources that his mother's side comes from Castlemartyr, Co Cork - in Munster. ..Apropos of nothing: tengo tres nietos irlandeses-mexicanos y, por lo tanto,he desarrollado una fuerte afinidad con México por que mi hijo se casó con una Tapitia = ie Una mujer de origin Guadalajara.

[@johnmurtagh6187]

As a Leinster and Ireland supporter this can only be positive for us and rugby in general. He will also be a great mentor to the younger academy players

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Agree 100%, thanks for the comment John.

[@tomf1dublin1]

Absolutely positive for everyone and especially young Leinster backs . Good for world rugby . I’m Leinster fan and he is very welcome

[@Quaristice]

As a Leinster fan what a privilege for him to join us.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Nailed it.

[@boddela4544]

He is more than Welcome Here in lreland 👍💪

[@insiderugbywithmark]

fáilte go hÉirinn

[@seanspencer6727]

Great piece Mark. This is positive for the URC, for Leinster and for Europe. Leinster always makes great signings. Plus, Leinster will play all games next season in the Aviva as the RDS is being redeveloped. So difficult to fill a 50k stadium without a marquee signing ..

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Good point, and I think plenty of Kiwis over that way will come and watch him play as well. After all, plenty of Kiwi backpackers pouring pints over that side of the world.

[@hedonaut]

It shows maturity from Barrett. He could have had a soft time playing lower level rugby in Japan and received a nice pay packet, but he has prioritised development and experience. He'll be joining Leinster for the business end of the season and is likely to get some game time in tough knockout matches.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Expect to see quite a few other AB's do this kind of thing in their new contracts. This is also part of Razors thinking, get the boys around the world to experience different environments on and off the field.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I can only see good. Jordie will be absolute box office and will make rugby more popular in Ireland. Our young players will benefit from his guidance and inspiration. For Jordie he gets experience in one of the best teams ( hopefully the best🤞) in Europe which he can take back to New Zealand when he leaves. Any chance of Will Jordan having Irish roots?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

The Scots were trying to poach Will Jordan at one stage, or at least they started a rumor about his ancestors.

[@decmurray1096]

At the moment, I'd play him at 10, but I think this is Nienabers work, Barrett is a Swiss army knife that will allow us to play a 6/2 or even a 7/1 split on the bench. I think whatever the cost is, will pay for itself in terms of the draw and the shared experience in the team, as you said. This team is now star-studded. Great signing, I love it!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for this comment.

[@decmurray1096]

What a great signing, I'm so excited! I'm a Leinster fan and this is all a bit overwhelming tbh, it's like my local team here in little old Dublin has become the Barcelona of rugby. What an incredible story

[@timgregory82]

So rugby is becoming more like global football with glamor clubs, all about money and not where you're from etc Personally I'm not sure a good thing

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@timgregory82 interesting conversation to have this one. Thanks for making the comment.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@decmurray1096 is that a good thing to be like Barcelona?

[@oisinquinn9469]

6 month contract is best for everyone. Genius actually. He will help when six nations is on for urc and then Hieniken cup. Barret can play across the backline so it's not a big threat to one player. Win/win

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Agree, thanks for the comment

[@LeMerch]

Amazing signing.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Seems to be plenty of happy people.

[@AD-zcvnt]

Good on him and Leinster. This poor Connacht man can only admire from a far 😂🤣 I think the URC, the European Championship, Ireland, Leinster, New Zealand thereafter will benefit. It adds a bit of excitement & lifts the profile of rugby everywhere.

[@andrenapatterson9782]

Lucky,lucky Leinster. Jordan is a rock and a star for the Hurricanes, and is a Hugh fan and children’s favourite. Always approachable and accessible and what a player!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Indeed, he brings a lot, and he will receive a lot in return. Thanks for the comment

[@martinfarrelly5196]

Leinster don't really need him but the Irish fans are going to love him.

[@andrew097]

It actually makes complete sense in a way. Every kid playing rugby in Leinster wants to play for Leinster first. If you do that, then you might play for your country. Jordie, growing up and watching his brother play, would have caught that vibe. He has a chance to do a little OE and the idea of playing in Leinster is probably in his DNA. Good for NZ too, Leinster are a serious organisation.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Well said, thanks for sharing

[@kerrylass2]

fyi Dan Sheehan actually got a central contract with Ireland not Leinster so a big deal.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thank you.

[@aidanmasterson50]

Looking forward to seeing him play int the Champions cup and URC.

[@tommurphy3671]

Surely Barrett will generate more income for Leinster with the interest it will generate. Very exciting

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Bums on seats, yes indeed. Thanks for the comment

[@Snags-sy8is]

Brilliant! 🎉 can’t wait

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Me too

[@jpmcnamara6406]

Looking forward to watching him play on Dublin 😊

[@insiderugbywithmark]

As am I. Thanks for the comment

[@decojdjful]

A lot of leinster players play with Ireland and during the 6 nations. Those players also get time off after the six nations. Jordie will fill gaps in the leinster squad when the URC picks up again. He'll help anchor the team.

[@pascaloneill9116]

Jordie Barrett in a Leinster Jersey....can't wait!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Special memories for sure. Thanks for the comment

[@twalsh51]

It's a positive move because the AB need to learn something from us just as Ronan O'Gara learnt his trade when he went as assistant coach to Crusaders in NZ. ☘️☘️

[@insiderugbywithmark]

This is the way rugby should be, we need more of that here in Central and North America for the game to grow.

[@Samizouza]

A sabbatical pretty much like any other kiwi heading offshore, especially when players come back becoming better versions of themselves. Best of luck Jordie

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for the comment

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for the comment

[@Dreyno]

Not sure why Leinster signed him because there isn’t a clear deficit in the squad that he could fill. But what a player to have access to. I suppose the occasional big name signing a la Thorn, Elsom etc. is good for team moral and prestige. Looking forward to seeing him over here.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Interesting point and as others have pointed out he will be great cover while others are away on International duty, but having someone like this around the team environment brings many benefits off the field as well as what he can do on the field. Thanks for your comment

[@glendaly3344]

With the 6 nations on from the end of January, to the middle of March, and taking into account training camp before and some time off after, a lot of Leinsters stars are going to be on International for about 3 of the 6 months anyway.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

So he is a great cover then for that period, bonza. Thanks for the comment

[@glendaly3344]

@markphilpottinsidesport don't get me wrong, he will bring a lot more than cover for the 6 nations. He will bring mentorship for the leinster players (and hopefully in 2027 we might get past the dreaded quarters). He will learn a lot himself from the experience with Irish Rudby. But the talk around what it means for Sheahans or Frawleys place in the team is quelled a bit by the 6 nations.

[@twalsh51]

It's not cold and chilly in Ireland. We are in a temperate maratine zone which means cool but Wet climate. ☘️☘️

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

Ye that,s in summer time mate.?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@shamrock1577 having been there plenty of times I can confirm it is cold and wet.....:-)

[@Frankabagnale33]

Definitely a colder climate by most standards. Rainy too, particularly in the west.

[@Camcolito]

Jaysus it's freezin' lad.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I think Jordie might relate well to Jamie Osborne. Like Barret he has brothers who will probably play at a high level. His younger brother Andrew is a very promising player and is in the Leinster academy at the moment. Further back there are younger siblings doing very well at school level.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Spot on, thanks for the comment

[@Natedawg38]

I dont think ive ever seen leinster sign such a big player from overseas even if it is only for half a year. Truly a sign of the times and leinsters business savy. JB has a truck of IP he can bring with him to the other players, will be a huge benefit.

[@harryocallaghan8082]

He’s coming for a few months whilst the majority of the top Leinster players are away with the national side so he’ll be playing evening winter games against poor opposition like Dragons, Zebre, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Scarlets etc. It’ll be like playing in Japan. Once the internationals are back it’ll be great and beneficial to see him with the likes of Ringrose, Henshaw, Lowe & Keenan.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

WIN/WIN for everyone then, thanks for the comment

[@Ophelia771]

As it's only for 6 months I don't see why anyone here in Ireland has a problem with it. It will add to the buzz and Leinster will be wanting to sell the tickets in the Aviva while the RDS is getting redeveloped. Sure in a sliding doors moment the Barrett's could have decided stayed in Ireland and would have been wearing the green.

[@timgregory82]

Wouldn't have developed NZ rugby skills though

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Good point.

[@Sdeburca2012]

Welcome Home Jordie 😀

[@insiderugbywithmark]

There you go. Kia Ora

[@alanmckenna1137]

R.D.S being developed, Games at the bigger Aviva next year will benift from having big names to draw bigger crowds to a bigger stadium.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

WIN, WIN all round, thanks for the comment

[@johnoconnell2446]

Money isn't a problem for Leinster. Croke park tickets sold out in 3 hours. Capacity 82.600. most games sell out.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for the comment mate.

[@johnharris4474]

It's great Mark ' , Jordies time for Leinster is just healthy for the game & every one , John (Crusader)

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Spot on John, thats how I see it as well.

[@Quaristice]

Great for everyone, though we could have done without the potato joke lol

[@insiderugbywithmark]

@Quaristice Mate I can remember from far too many late nights in Dublin pubs that the Irish have a great sense of humor, you're be ok.

[@seamusryan2320]

Hi Mark, I’ve lived for a short time in NZ and a longer time in the UK, and if I had a pound for every time I was expected to see the funny side of a potato or Guinness joke, I’d be a very rich man! We actually don’t grow potatoes much in Ireland any more; we import them now! If you’re ever in the south of Ireland, it’s worth a visit to the Irish Famine memorial in Skibbereen in Co Cork. Sorry for the rant; I do enjoy your insightful reviews.

[@lizzyhanahoe4197]

I haven’t forgiven him YET for holding up Ronan K’s try in the QFs - only kidding you. He’ll be made very welcome I’m sure of that, I think it’s an all round win win 👍

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Ha ha, thanks for the comment

[@seanmcgirr2557]

Hopefully he will love Ireland and declare for the home of his forefathers. Now wouldn't that be a world rugby shock. Lol contracts can be unwritten. Just a thought? But who knows?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

There you go, a lot of hope there.

[@kendumpleton2391]

Patronising "potato" comment..poor form

[@johnmc3862]

Wasnt that bad.

[@michaelflynn5123]

James Lowe gibson park got it hard to get a club game in New Zealand ! Geordie Barrett has looked on and said to himself! 6 months in Leinster I could become the best player in the world

[@dodonovan32]

Delighted to welcome him back but he joined the wrong Club #SUAF #Munster

[@insiderugbywithmark]

There you go. Thanks for the comment

[@MICHAELCAMPBELL69]

Do Leinster need foreigners as they have a great underage team?

[@wewhofly]

On the potato point, and just to be accurate, you Mark are much closer to the home of the potato than Barrett will be. Potatoes are native to South America. So start digging, start planting, start cultivating your potatoes. Nice dry climate, no fear of Blight!

[@insiderugbywithmark]

I didn't realize that the potato banter was going to hit such a nerve.

[@seamusryan2320]

Hi Mark We know it was a light hearted comment and not meant to offend, but the Irish potato famine devastated Ireland in the mid 19th Century, and it is a major part of our history. To appreciate the affect it had, the Irish population was similar to the Dutch population when the famine hit. Compare them now. Keep the great work going with this podcast.

[@tomgreene1843]

This guy will boost attendances at Leinster matches ....82,000 tickets sold for their next home match at Croke Park !!

[@declanburke2703]

has to be aLL POSITIVE

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Agree

[@johanwest391]

The end of Super Rugby is nigh.

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Thanks for sharing your view.

[@StopTheRot]

He could be Ireland’s 10 by the next WC!!

[@stephengallagher2209]

Maybe read a history book before making an Irish potatoes joke.

[@michaeloconnor9809]

JB to Leinster is all well and good on the face of it but scratch the surface and what do you find. Their is a large number of overseas players in the four Irish provinces and with the overseas coaches mainly from down under a lot of doors are slammed in Irish faces in a non evolutionary way. The overseas cohorts have definitely lifted the Irish boat but how long must both aspects go on. Are we learning nothing from them that improves the grassroots playing population that sees them come through in greater numbers. Look at most Irish first 15s. It's nearly ABs in green . The major soccer clubs in England are sourcing kids from worldwide and Irish kids are not breaking through to the same extent as during Jack Charlton's time. There is more structure in rugby but if the grassroots are neglected due to imports then you become dependent on them. The club scene is withering as the provinces improve. Is this healthy?

[@insiderugbywithmark]

A great topic for discussion, debate and consideration. I am liking what I hear from Sam Warburton at the moment, he is beating on about how important it is to have the elite level of the game at its very best so kids want to chase that dream. In Wales's current case, there is a black cloud hanging over the national team because of recent results. Thanks for sharing your view.

[@poo2764]

Is it the total knowledge by most people about Ireland? (potatoes) (seriously) potatoes is consumed all over the world. here is a question for you people who seem to live under rocks? wher did the idea of ice hockey come from? this could be too much for the simple folk but then I am a potato. Looking forward to Jordie coming home. An Nua-shéalainn? what does these Irish words mean come on Kiwi take your head out from under the rock!

[@anthonykearney9642]

The Jordie Barrett haircut will be worn by the kids next year in dublin

[@insiderugbywithmark]

Lets hope not :-)