Jordie Barrett has expressed excitement about facing South African teams again, following their departure from Super Rugby. The All Blacks center, now signed to a short-term contract with Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC), shared his thoughts on the matter. The URC includes South African franchises such as the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers, which have been part of the league since 2021 after leaving Super Rugby in 2020.
Barrett, who will spend the next six months with Leinster in Dublin, might have the opportunity to face his former Super Rugby rivals during this stint. Leinster’s schedule includes matches against the Stormers in January, followed by a tour to South Africa in March to play the Bulls and Sharks.
Reflecting on his experiences, Barrett acknowledged the strength and physicality of South African teams, recalling the tours he undertook during his Super Rugby years. “They were such formidable outfits,” he remarked, expressing regret over their exit from the competition. During his time with the Hurricanes, he enjoyed competing against those teams and felt disappointed when that chapter ended. For Barrett, playing against South African sides once more will be a welcome reunion.
Barrett’s move to Leinster has also given him an opportunity to adapt to a new rugby system and culture. He recently made an impactful debut in the Champions Cup, scoring a try and showing signs of settling in quickly. As Leinster prepares to face Clermont Auvergne this weekend, Barrett is keen to continue building on his promising start.
Speaking about Leinster’s approach, Barrett praised the team’s straightforward yet effective methods. “The simplicity of their processes, their alignment, and focus on rugby itself stand out,” he noted. According to Barrett, the cohesion within the team and its deep pool of experienced players, many of whom have played internationally, contribute to Leinster’s sustained success. Additionally, the variety of perspectives brought in by the coaching staff enhances the overall structure.
Barrett also humorously acknowledged the value of learning from such an accomplished team, joking about gathering “intel” during his time with Leinster. For him, the simplicity and clarity of Leinster’s systems mark a refreshing change, which he believes is a key factor in their achievements over the years.