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The URC reaction to Jordie Barrett signing for Leinster
By Simon Thomas
Jordie Barrett’s move to Leinster Rugby has been hailed as “awesome” and “brilliant” news for the BKT URC.
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The 57-cap All Blacks star will spend the second half of next season with the Irish province, coming on board in December.
He will provide a top quality option at centre, full-back and fly-half and serve as a real draw for fans across the competition.
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Speaking on a BKT URC round table, former Ireland international Stephen Ferris said:
“It’s an awesome signing.
“I think he will be absolutely fantastic for Leinster.
“He’s a very durable player who can play anywhere really in the back line and slot in seamlessly.
“The experience and nous that he has, with such a young group of players that are coming off that conveyor belt down in Dublin, I am sure he will be working with a lot of those young guys.
“He has got a little bit of Irish heritage from his family.
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“It’s awesome for him to spend a number of months here and for the URC audiences to see him play week-in, week-out for the time he is here.”
Giving his thoughts, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt commented:
“I think it’s brilliant. Who wouldn’t want to come here and watch Jordie Barrett play?
“It’s good for Leinster and it’s great for the league. I think it’s a good news story.”
As for Barrett himself, the 27-year-old 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.
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“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 20 years ago is pretty cool.”
Leinster coach Leo Cullen added: “We’re delighted that Jordie has agreed to join us after New Zealand’s tour in early December, especially as he has chosen Leinster ahead of a number of other very attractive options.
“He is a fifty-plus cap All Black with an outstanding skillset who has been performing at the highest level of the game for multiple seasons now. He is keen to seek out a new experience at Leinster and I’m sure we will learn a lot from each other during his time with us.
“The Barrett family have strong connections with Ireland and Leinster in particular, so it’s a sort of homecoming for Jordie!
“I’m sure all our supporters will be really excited to welcome one of the best players in the world and see up close what he brings to the team.”
Says much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan.
Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!!
No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…