Jordie Barrett can’t wait to test himself against South African opponents again in European competition now that he’s joined Investec Champions Cup contenders and Vodacom URC front-runners Leinster.

Following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Barrett joined Ireland’s four-time Champions Cup and eight-time United Rugby Championship winners Leinster on a six-month contract, having made 111 appearances for the Hurricanes during seven seasons at the New Zealand Super Rugby franchise.

The 27 year-old 67-Test All Blacks utility back is relishing the opportunity to face familiar foes, namely players from the SA teams contesting the URC and European cups, some of whom Barrett would have faced in Tests against the Springboks.

“I’m fully aware of the prowess and power game the South African teams had. They were obviously in the Super Rugby competition that I was a part of for a number of years,” Barrett reportedly told the media.

“For three or four years, I had the luxury of heading up to South Africa and doing a tour for two or three weeks, and they’re such formidable outfits.”

Leinster host the DHL Stormers in January before travelling to the Republic when they face the Sharks and the Bulls in March. Barrett played 11 Super Rugby matches against SA franchises over four seasons until 2021 when they left Super Rugby for the URC.

“They are a great acquisition to the URC. I was gutted when they left Super Rugby. I certainly missed that aspect. I was gutted when I was playing for the Hurricanes and they left, so it will be nice to play those teams again.”

Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images