Rugby: Hurricanes to add another Barrett?

Could Super Rugby champions the Hurricanes be about to add a second dazzling player with the surname Barrett to their already red-hot backline?

While Christchurch-based Jordie Barrett has an offer on the table from the Crusaders for next season, the rugby grapevine is buzzing with rumours that the Hurricanes are close to stealing the signature of Beauden's younger brother from their southern rivals.

And the Canes appear to be using their All Blacks star to win the battle.

"I'm twisting his arm very tightly," Beauden told reporters in Christchurch this week while in camp with the All Blacks.

The younger Barrett, who is from a famous Taranaki rugby family, has been studying at Lincoln University this year while also making a huge splash for Canterbury in the NPC.

Jordie, a stylish backline utility player in the vein of his older brother, has scored 44 points for the red and blacks already this season. He has played several positions in the backline and will line up at fullback against Manawatu on Saturday.

The presence of his older brother Scott, a lock, within the Crusaders is a motivation to remain in the South Island but the prospect of linking up with Beauden and also being closer to family in Taranaki will ensure it is a difficult decision for goal-kicking Jordie, also a star for the New Zealand Under 20s.

"It's tough," said Jordie. "There's options there and I'm not sure what to do yet."