All Blacks: Jordie Barrett gives boots to son of Irish legend Ronan O’Gara while on sabbatical

All Black Jordie Barrett (left) has found a friend in Irish legend Ronan O'Gara, head coach of La Rochelle. Photos / Photosport

All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett is winning hearts and minds during his stint with Irish Top 14 rugby club Leinster.

After his side had beaten French side La Rochelle in the European Champions Cup, the brother of All Blacks skipper Scott gave his boots to the son of Irish legend Ronan O’Gara, who coaches the French outfit.

“Thank you, Jordie Barrett,” O’Gara wrote on X. “He will never get to wear size 46 but gone off to bed so happy ... a classy gesture ... Congratulations to ⁦@leinsterrugby⁩ ... hopefully we get another go.⁦”

Barrett took the field at fullback as Leinster recorded their 12th straight victory, beating La Rochelle 16-14. The two sides each scored one try and two penalties, with the result determined by a successful conversion.

With Leinster’s midfield already stacked with Irish internationals – Robbie Henshaw in the No 12 jersey and Garry Ringrose in No13 have more than 140 test caps between them – Barrett has reverted to the No 15 jersey in which he first made his name in New Zealand.

Barrett shifted to second five-eighths for the All Blacks in 2022, in a move that energised the All Blacks backline following the insipid series loss to Ireland. He had played in the No 12 jersey in the New Zealand Under 20s and in a handful of early provincial games for Canterbury.

He has impressed in his spell with Leinster, scoring on debut, and his defence was hailed following the La Rochelle match.

One commenter, using the name Séamus Keaveny, applauded Barrett’s gesture after the La Rochelle match.

“Jordie Barrett is class – saw him help many a player back to their feet ... and always available for photos, signing items post-games.”

The All Blacks are expected to play Ireland in Chicago as part of this year’s end-of-year northern tour.