Leinster fears allayed with Jordie Barrett back in 4-6 weeks

Jordie Barrett is be a doubt for New Zealand's autumn Test against Ireland after suffering a knee injury but is expected to link up with Leinster at the end of the international window.

The centre was hurt during a 31-28 victory over the Wallabies last weekend, and New Zealand Rugby has confirmed a medial collateral ligament injury, adding that Barrett will be reassessed before the northern hemisphere tour. He will, as a result, miss the All Blacks' Rugby Championship finale against Australia in Wellington on Saturday.

The 27-year-old is in a race against time to face the Irish at the Aviva Stadium on Friday, 8 November, with Tests against England, France and Italy also on the agenda for the World Cup finalists in this autumn series.

In a message on Instagram, Barrett revealed that he had suffered an MCL injury in his left knee, adding that he "will miss a short period of time. 4-6 week recovery".

Barrett will join Leinster on a six-month deal, beginning in December.

It was announced in April that Barrett had exercised an option to play overseas after agreeing a new contract with New Zealand Rugby that will run beyond the 2027 World Cup.

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