Jordie Barrett's 'open' verdict on earlier Rugby Championship start time

Jordie Barrett is “open” to moving the Rugby Championship to earlier in the year, despite the reluctance of the New Zealand bigwigs to see change.

Most in the game would like to see a global calendar implemented but, for that to happen, concessions have to be made.

South Africa are pushing for the southern hemisphere’s biggest tournament to be moved to around the time of the Six Nations in February and March.

With their club season being aligned with the north and their international calendar aligned with the south, a lot of their Test starts effectively play 12 months of the year.

Key World Rugby meeting

Ahead of World Rugby’s Shape of the Game conference this week, SA Rugby believe that they have the support of Rugby Australia, but New Zealand remain a significant obstacle.

New Zealand Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol recently warned their trans-Tasman rivals about backing the proposal, which suggests they will not be budging from their position.

Nichol represents the players in New Zealand, including Barrett, but the All Blacks star is not against the idea of moving the Rugby Championship.

“It’s news to me but if they’re growing the game and there’s exposure all over the world at different times of the year then why not. I’m certainly open to that,” he told Sport Nation.

“Test matches in February and March? It will be tough to wrap your head around, we’re still in cricket season, but as players you just want to play and you want to play in big Test matches, and good domestic or franchise competitions around the world.

“If it’s going to grow the game and put bums on seats then why not?”

New Zealand hold firm on global calendar debate that ‘doesn’t work’ as South Africa don’t have a ‘compelling case’

Leinster experience

Barrett has experience of playing rugby in both hemispheres having featured for Leinster as part of the sabbatical clause in his NZ Rugby contract.

The All Black spent six months in Dublin before heading back to New Zealand midway through 2025 and he has looked to put that stint to good use.

“It’s nice to reaffirm things you’re doing well here in New Zealand and your own environment, and you can look at the way other players and coaches have different approaches to things and you can see if that will add value back at home,” he said.

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“There are certainly things you can bring back home and I learnt a lot on and off the field. I certainly feel like I’ve grown as a rugby player and now it’s about transferring that, taking those learnings and putting them on the park.

“It’s one thing knowing a few more tricks and different approaches and styles, it’s another thing having impactful performances and getting your team across the line, so that’s all I’m thinking about at the moment.”

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