Wow.

Leinster Rugby have just announced the signing of All Blacks superstar Jordie Barrett on a short-term deal.

The Hurricanes fullback, who can play across the backline, will join the Irish province in December of next year until the end of the 2024-25 season.

In signing a new contract extension with the New Zealand Rugby Union, the 27-year-old has exercised an option to play overseas.

Barrett has strong family connections with the province and with Co Meath where he spent some time in the early 2000’s when his family relocated to Oldcastle, while his father, Kevin, managed a farm and played rugby with Buccaneers.

Speaking about the decision, the 57-times capped All Black said:

“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.

“Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family. We’ve got so many great family connections in Oldcastle, in County Meath and throughout Dublin. To have an opportunity to go back and meet some family and friends and connections that were made twenty years ago is pretty cool.”