Leinster have plenty left to achieve this season but supporters could be forgiven for having one eye on the next with Jordie Barrett set to rock up in Dublin 4.
The All Blacks superstar will join the province in December after agreeing a short term deal with the premier Irish club that few saw coming.
The Blues are already blessed with top class talent throughout their backline, but there is no disputing the added quality that Barrett will bring to Leo Cullen's side.
It is a move that has prompted a strong response from supporters, with Barrett reportedly shunning big money from Japanese side Toyota Verblitz to instead switch to the four time Champions Cup winners.
Jordie Barrett explains why he joined Leinster
Barrett has now offered clarity behind his decision to pass up big money from Japan and instead take a punt on Leinster.
9 July 2022; Jordie Barrett of New Zealand during the Steinlager Series match between the New Zealand and Ireland at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Speaking to NewstalkZB, the 27-year-old was hugely complimentary in stressing the reasons why Leinster was ultimately the team for him.
“[Money] is certainly a serious component,” Barrett said.
“For different individuals, that can be at the top of the tree or somewhere a little further down.
“I put my development and my experiences, and my thinking of coming back and trying to be a better rugby player and a better All Black and a better Hurricane, right at the top of that tree. That took priority over all the other options I had.
“My eyes were only ever heading towards Japan and having a wee stint there.
"But Leinster put an offer forward, and basically just the prestige of their club and what they’ve done in the past and the direction they’re heading in the future really stuck out and excited me.”
Very much in his prime, Barrett will become the first All Black to head to Europe on sabbatical since Dan Carter joined Perpignan in 2009.
His presence is sure to help Leinster in getting to where they want to be at the summit of European club rugby on a consistent basis.
SEE ALSO: WRU Post Sensationally Salty Match Report After Contentious End To Ulster v Cardiff
