Jordie Barrett 'looking good' as Leinster turn towards Bristol

Leinster are remaining coy on whether or not they will unleash new signing Jordie Barrett for his debut in this Sunday's Investec Champions Cup meeting with Bristol Bears.

The New Zealand international arrived at the province last week after the conclusion of his international season with the All Blacks.

While Barrett took part in the Leinster warm-up before Friday night’s BKT URC win away to Ulster, the centre is still working his way back from a minor knee injury which he suffered in New Zealand’s defeat to France on 16 November.

The 27-year-old had his first full session with the team this afternoon at Leinster’s UCD base, and forwards coach Robin McBryde says they’re open to the possibility of playing him against the Premiership side this weekend.

"He hasn’t undergone all the protocols but it is one day at a time and we’ll just monitor how he progresses with a bit more intensity," McBryde told RTÉ Sport.

"But he is looking good anyway. I’m sure he is a second row, looking at the size of him. He’s good.

"He knows a couple of people from previously with his New Zealand connection and Brian Colclough our analyst, they both went to the Irish game on Saturday, so he is getting plenty of welcome here."

The province will be keen to get every game they can from the versatile back (above), who is only with them on a short-term deal until the end of the season, after which he will return to New Zealand with the Hurricanes.

And wing Jordan Larmour says he’s excited by the prospect of playing alongside the 68-cap All Black.

"He's been great. First training today with everyone, so everyone has been trying to get him up to speed as quick as possible. He's been doing really well," Larmour said.

"He's obviously an unbelievable player, he's