All Blacks utility back Jordie Barrett will join Leinster in December on a six-month deal, New Zealand Rugby and the Irish province announced on Monday.
Barrett, 27, who plays international rugby alongside older brothers Beauden and Scott, will arrive in Dublin after the November Test window.
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After his spell with the four-time Champions Cup winners, Barrett will return to New Zealand with the Hurricanes on a contract until 2028.
“I’m very proud of the way the All Blacks went at the last World Cup but there is still a burning desire to go one better at the next one,” Barrett said.
“And I’m enjoying the way things are going in Wellington with the Hurricanes. I can’t wait to get into a new World Cup cycle and be really energised by it.”
“Jordie’s commitment to the All Blacks shows his passion and loyalty for the jersey,” said All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
“We are proud he has shown that by signing for this length of time.”
Barrett, who can play across the back-line, spent time near Dublin as a child when his father managed a farm.
"As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge," Barrett said.
"Heading north to different conditions, different teams, different referees -- I think it will open my game up, make me see the game differently and I'll ultimately bring the best bits back to New Zealand rugby and into a Test jersey, ideally, at the end of it.
"Ireland is a special place for the Barrett family.
"To have an opportunity to go back and meet some family and friends and connections that were made 20 years ago is pretty cool."
“It’s pleasing to see the amount of work that has been put into making sure this arrangement is beneficial for everyone involved. One of the key things about a sabbatical is that you return feeling good about your mental and physical state. It’s clear this trip is about more than the rugby for Jordie so we are genuinely happy for him," Robinson believes.
New Zealand's next match is the opening Test of a two-game series against England on July 6 before the Rugby Championship begins a month later.
