Ireland's Jamison Gibson-Park has admitted that he is excited about the prospect of playing alongside his countryman Jordie Barrett next year.
This week, it was announced that Leinster completed a sensational short-term move for one of the best rugby players in the world, Barrett.
The utility back and two-time Rugby World Cup winner will join the Irish province for part of next season after the 27-year-old signed a contract extension through 2028 with the New Zealand Rugby Union that includes an option for an overseas sabbatical.
He is set to arrive in Dublin in December 2024.
Gibson-Park believes that Barrett will bring a different dimension to the already impressive Leinster team. This will aid the younger Leinster players, says Gibson-Park.
Jordie Barrett of New Zealand in action during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Quarter Final match between Ireland and New Zealand (All Blacks) at Stade de France (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)"It’s pretty awesome; he’s a fine player, and he’s at the top of his game at the moment," said Gibson-Park, speaking to RTÉ Sport at a Bank of Ireland event this week.
"He brings something a little bit different, and his view on the game may be a little bit different from what we normally experience, and he will be awesome for the younger players to learn from for sure."
When asked what stands out most about the new Leinster recruit, Gibson Park added, "The sheer size of the bloke, for a start, he’s massive; he loves the contact, but he has all the silky skills as well and a massive boot," he added when asked about Barrett’s best attributes.
"He’s an all-round player; he can play in a lot of different positions, so I’m looking forward to seeing him go."
Barrett himself also had a few words to say about his move and welcomed the challenging but positive move to Dublin.
“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," said Barrett.
“As a whole, I think this move is going to be really challenging, but a positive challenge.
“The reality of being a professional athlete is that you’ve only got a small window to have these opportunities, and I’d love to be sitting there in 20 or 30 years with my kids or grandkids, knowing that I left no stone unturned, and I took up this opportunity to better myself.”
Leinster's game against the Northampton Saints kicks off at 5:30 on May 5.
