Jordie Barrett will join Leinster on short-term contract next December

New Zealand's Jordie Barrett playing against Ireland in the Rugby World Cup. Photograph: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty

The All Blacks utility back Jordie Barrett is joining Leinster on a short-term contract from next December until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Barrett is still on sabbatical and contracted to the NZRU until the end of next season but was apparently keen to explore the possibility of returning to Ireland where he spent 18 months in his formative years while his family were living in Ireland.

Barrett’s impending arrival suggests Charlie Ngatai will be moving on at the end of this season.

On the injury front, Garry Ringrose will be further assessed this week for a shoulder injury as he nears a return. Ross Byrne, who was withdrawn with a minor leg injury in steering Leinster to their 40-13 win over La Rochelle, will also be further assessed this week.

Neither will be among a squad of 30 or so players who fly to South Africa tomorrow for two URC games against the Lions and the Stormers. Hugo Keenan has been managing a hip injury the last few weeks which had a minor flare up in the Captain’s Run last week and is unavailable for selection this weekend.

There are no further updates on: James Ryan (arm), Tommy O’Brien (hamstring) and Alex Soroka (foot).

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Gerry Thornley is Rugby Correspondent of The Irish Times