“I was actually chomping at the bit to get an opportunity with Leinster.”
Jordie Barrett made his long awaited debut for Leinster on the weekend, and looked a class above most in his 40 minutes on the field.
The 27-year-old All Black came on at half-time, and showed a range of skills as the Irish province blew Bristol Bears away in the second half of their Champions Cup clash.
Barrett is adept at both fullback and centre, hopping into the latter role for his first outing and making an instant impact.
He stepped into first receiver for his side’s first score of the second half, setting up Sam Prendergast, before showing off his size and guile for a try of his own soon after.
Jordie Barrett thanks two Leinster players
Barrett’s signing has raised eyebrows given the fact that Leinster have excellent depth at both centre and fullback with Garry Ringrose, Robbie Henshaw and Hugo Keenan all seasoned internationals, while Ciarán Frawley, Jamie Osborne, and Jimmy O’Brien are all integral members of the squad.
None the less, Barrett is expected to start Leinster’s big games and after the match he spoke about the assistance from Henshaw and Ringrose, helping him settle into the side.
He said: “I have only been here about ten days so I had a great week. Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose have been awesome this week and made my job a lot easier.
“It has been a long eight days since the game last week but absolutely loving the time here in Dublin. My body was in good condition when I left Italy a few weeks ago. I was actually chomping at the bit to get an opportunity with Leinster.
“I know it has been in the making for six months or so. I couldn’t wait to get to Dublin. The city of Dublin and even people across all the other provinces in Ireland have been outstanding. I have enjoyed it so far.”
“That probably stoked my appetite to play some rugby up here in the northern hemisphere and I just wanted to come up here and test myself in these European championship games.
“Tonight was a good test for us. Bristol were outstanding for the most part of that game. I love the way they play. It is refreshing to see a team with absolutely no fear. They have been going outstanding in the Premiership this year and they are a well coached team.”
