The arrival of Jordie Barrett this season has made an already mighty Leinster backline even more fearful for URC and Champions Cup opposition.
New Zealander Barrett is with the province on a short-term contract through to the end of the season, and has already more than made his mark on Leinster's charge to the top of their Champions Cup pool.
There are few players in world rugby with as much raw talent as the All Black, but his versatility has also added to his usefulness in the Leinster setup in recent weeks.
Speaking to the media ahead of the final round of Champions Cup pool games, Barrett said that he saw shades of himself in Leinster teammate Jamie Osborne, who has made a serious impression of late at both provincial and international level.
READ HERE: James Haskell Has Scathing Take On The Nuances Of Mack Hansen Punishment
READ HERE: Jackman Claims Unknown Leinster Teenager Will Be 'Next Tadhg Furlong'
Leinster: Jordie Barrett compares rise of Jamie Osborne to his own in New Zealand
12 January 2025; Jamie Osborne of Leinster and his teammates celebrate at the final whistle of the Investec Champions Cup Pool 2 match between Stade Rochelais and Leinster at Stade Marcel Deflandre in La Rochelle, France. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Jamie Osborne has been highly rated in Leinster circles for some time now but, for many, his true arrival on the stage was with his bright showings at full-back for Ireland on last summer's tour of South Africa.
Standing in for Hugo Keenan, Osborne was one of the standout performers as Ireland tied the series 1-1 with a memorable last-gasp win in Durban.
Despite starring at full-back on the South African tour, Osborne has more commonly been touted as a contender in the battle for spots at centre for Leinster and Ireland. The 23-year-old has also deputized on the wing when required by Leo Cullen.
Speaking to the Irish media this week, his teammate Jordie Barrett said that he saw shades of his own rise in New Zealand in how Osborne has developed. He praised the Kildare man's versatility, highlighting his ability to quickly switch from full-back to the wing in last weekend's win over La Rochelle.
I guess it has just worked out that way, Jamie has come into the Irish squad playing centre, full-back and wing – very similar to what I did – and, look, he is a great young prospect.
He has a great head on his shoulders too, he has a very high ceiling, that kid is going to be good for a number of years.
We all saw what he did last weekend in La Rochelle, he has the complete skill set, the head, he works very hard and he is a quality player.
High praise indeed from one of the greatest back players of the last decade.
There are many in Irish rugby who will agree with Barrett's assessment of Jamie Osborne, and the Leinster youngster will certainly hope for more game-time in this year's Six Nations, having been named in Simon Easterby's 36-man squad.
Barrett also commented on another of his up-and-coming Leinster teammates, the highly-rated Sam Prendergast.
Despite lavishing Prendergast with similar praise, Barrett encouraged patience with the 21-year-old as he continues to adapt to senior rugby.
I think Leinster and Ireland are in great hands for a number of years and, look, he’s not going to be perfect every game. There will be things he’ll do really well and things he’ll get wrong but that’s important for a young number 10, just learning through those experiences.
They can’t become the complete package overnight. There’s a number of great young number 10s in Ireland and I know there’s always a search to find a replacement for Johnny who was unbelievable over a number of years.
SEE ALSO: 'It Will Be Interesting What Slimani’s Role Is The Week Of The Ireland Game'
