Jordie Barrett could make Leinster debut in Champions Cup

Leinster face Bristol in the Champions Cup on December 8. 

LEINSTER BOUND: Jordie Barrett of New Zealand is tackled by Leinster teammate Hugo Keenan during the Autumn Nations Series match against Ireland. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

All Black Jordie Barrett could make his Leinster debut in their Champions Cup opener away to Bristol Bears next Sunday week.

The versatile and experienced back is to join up with the province to kickstart his short-term contract this week but he missed New Zealand’s November international win over Italy in Tyrin at the weekend with a knee injury.

He also missed the last round of the Rugby Championship with a knee problem but did pitch up for three appearances on their European tour and Leinster head coach Leo Cullen is looking forward to having the 27-year old on board.

“He's [due] in this week, it's just been back and forth on the phone. He was ruled out at the weekend and thankfully it's not serious, again, we just need to get some eyes on him and make a call as to when he gets up and running fully.

“I think there is a chance, there's definitely a chance [he'll play against Bristol] but I'm not 100% but that would be the hope, he'd be up and running pretty much straight away.” 

Leinster will also be welcoming back RG Snyman who played three times for the Springboks over the November period. Snyman has already played four times for the province having missed the start of the season.

“He's due back and we'll get him assessed and see how he is. He's played three Tests in the last three weeks. He sat on the bench [for the first half against Scotland], played 80 minutes [against England] and then came on quite early [against Wales]. We'll touch base.” 

Jack Conan, Jimmy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour, Lee Barron and John McKee are all back training and available for Friday’s URC trip to Belfast after injury. Ryan Baird and Jack Boyle are also back on board having returned from Ireland camp.