All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett has recommitted to NZ Rugby through 2028, while also taking an Irish sabbbatical at the end of this current season.
Barrett, 27, has played 57 tests for New Zealand, filling every position in the backline, except halfback. He became a regular at second-five under previous coach Ian Foster and has continued his development there with the unbeaten Hurricanes this season.
With brothers Beauden and Scott, he will likely fill a core role with the All Blacks under new coach Scott Robertson, as he builds towards the next World Cup in Australia.
"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," said Barrett. "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."
In December, he will step away from NZ rugby for six months - taking him out of Super Rugby Pacific - to take up a contract with Irish club Leinster, a part of the country that holds great significance to the Barrett family.
Father Kevin played professionally there during his career, with his offspring attending a local school for 15 months.
"It's a special place for the Barrett family," said Jordie. "We've got so many great family connections in Oldcastle, County Meath and throughout Dublin.
"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 going to be a great place for me to develop as a rugby player in a different environment, where I’ll learn so many different things, and also to have a freshen up going into another World Cup cycle, and some great years ahead with the All Blacks, Hurricanes and Taranaki."
Robertson has signed off on the Irish stint and welcomes Barrett's ongoing commitment to the national team.
"Jordie was very clear from the start around the fact that he wanted to use this sabbatical to improve his game," he said. "We will help him achieve that, while making sure he is looked after mentally and physically.
"After months of discussions and collaboration with Leinster, we feel they are the right club to do that. They have a proven track record of creating internationals and helping players achieve their goals.
"We know this will be hugely beneficial for Jordie as a person and as a player."
