Jordie Barrett is the first All Black to have committed to New Zealand Rugby beyond the next Rugby World Cup 2027, signing a contract extension through until the end of 2028.
The new deal will see 27-year-old continue to play for Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship, plus the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
As part of his recommitment to NZR, Barrett has taken the option for a six-month sabbatical in Ireland following the All Blacks' 2024 Northern Tour, where he will play for Leinster.
The move sees the 57-Test All Black return to a part of the world where he spent some of his childhood. Back in 2000, former Hurricanes and Taranaki lock Kevin Barrett moved his family to County Meath to play professional rugby in Athlone, while managing a farm in the area.
“I’m certainly grateful to New Zealand Rugby and the Hurricanes for sending me off with their best wishes which is awesome. I’m really focused and enjoying my time with the Hurricanes at present and looking forward to having the opportunity to return to the Hurricanes, a franchise that means a lot to me," Barrett said in a statement.
“The support of people throughout the Hurricanes region, continues to drive the team forward as we hope to continue our strong start to the season.
“Leinster provides an opportunity for me to experience another type of rugby and to reconnect with some of my childhood. I hope to be able to bring some of my experiences back to the Hurricanes, when I return," Barrett continued.
“For me I think it’s very positive. 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. And also to have a freshen up going into another World Cup cycle and some great years ahead with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki.
“The reality of being a professional athlete is that you’ve only got a small window to have these opportunities and I’d love to be sitting there in twenty or thirty years with my kids or grandkids, knowing that I left no stone unturned, and I took up this opportunity to better myself.”
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has confirmed that he has been collaborating with Barrett and Leinster's high-performance staff.
“Jordie was very clear from the start around the fact that he wanted to use this sabbatical to improve his game,” Robertson said.
“We will help him achieve that while making sure he is looked after mentally and physically. After months of discussions and collaboration with Leinster, we feel they are the right club to do that. They have a proven track record of creating internationals and helping players achieve their goals.
“We know this will be hugely beneficial for Jordie as a person and as a player.”
Following the sabbatical, Barrett will return to the Hurricanes for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.