All Blacks star five-eighth Beauden Barrett has committed to New Zealand rugby for four more years but has announced a seismic domestic shift from the Hurricanes to the Blues.
Barrett joined fellow-Test stars Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock in ignoring the lure of rich European clubs signing until after the 2023 World Cup in France.
The 28-year-old two-time world player of the year has a clause that will allow him to take “short playing break” in Japan at some point over the next four years.
He will also begin his first season with the Blues next year late, joining the team midway through the 2020 campaign, allowing him to take a break from rugby.
Barrett was relieved to confirm a deal which had hung over him during the second half of the Super Rugby season.
He said leaving the Hurricanes after nine years and 125 games of service – including the 2016 title – was difficult but he and wife Hannah were committed to living in the Blues base city of Auckland.
“The Hurricanes will always be a huge part of who I am. The Hurricanes environment and style of rugby they play has helped me become the player I am today, and I’ll be leaving some very good mates,” he said.
“I’m also enthusiastic about the new challenge I’ll get with the Blues over the next four years. They’re a team on the rise, I like the way they play and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.”
Barrett’s shift is expected to revive the fortunes of the Blues, who have been the worst-performed Kiwi team for several seasons despite boasting easily the greatest playing resources.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald expected Barrett to make an immediate impact.
“It’s huge for our club. As well as getting a world-class player, our young first-fives will flourish with the opportunity to train and play alongside Beauden, and I am sure he will be an immediate fan favourite at Eden Park,” he said.
NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew believed Barrett’s decision to stay in New Zealand was important as the national team will undergo significant changes to its coaching and playing personnel from next year.
“There is no doubting how important he is to the All Blacks and every team he plays for,” Tew said.
“He is now a genuine leader in any team he plays and a strong contributor to our off-field responsibilities.
“He joins a strong core of experienced Test players who are now with us leading into the 2023 Rugby World Cup.”
stan
Roar Rookie
what a blue ,well maybe my beloved Blues will have chance next year
Uriah Heep
Roar Rookie
Scott Barrett has a many super titles as the entire Blues franchise has over its entire history. He doesn't need any of Beaudan's "smarts".
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ha ha, Probably be better than what weve had though :-)
Carlos the Argie
Roar Guru
I’m too old! ;-)
Jacko
Guest
I think he is back to france
Jacko
Guest
Andrew as a Chiefs fan Im hoping Sopounga goes elsewhere........Marty Mac and Debrizini at 10 for the Chiefs and Dmac running it all from FB will do me...I am actually looking forward to Debrizini and Dmac playing together but not sure if JD is signed for 2020 or not.....
Machooka
Roar Guru
Diggeriwi will be spewing...
Leftfield
Guest
Blues have signed Finlay Christie from the canes as well
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Last 7 matches BB hasn't played for the canes: Win - hur 29 blues 24 Loss - hur 20 jags 28 Win - lions 19 hur 37 Win - sun 23 hur 29 Loss - hur 8 cru 32 Win - war 19 hur 20 Loss - brum 24 hur 12 Could be tough next year for them...
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Yes, which means they have to select a replacement wisely, otherwise they risk an otherwise strong team being unable to do much.
JRVJ
Roar Rookie
There's no way your team gets better if your All-World Fly Half leaves…….
Andrew Johnson
Guest
Lima Sopounga early in his all blacks career was thrown in the deep end against a very strong boks side and did a great job I thought he was coming along nicely. I think Richie has stepped up and Josh Ione looks like he could be very good. Lima May fit in nicely at the canes or chiefs maybe?
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
This is just the first of many moves which will happen during the close season. Hurricanes do now need to make a move as they look pretty stacked elsewhere but now need a good 5/8 to lead their team.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Or will they be sitting Kiwikrs? With the sabbaticals Barrett has written into his contract, a 5/8 will still receive plenty of playing time with the Blues. If I were them I would let Black leave for pastures new.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
CUW, any idea on where Nonu is headed? Going to Japan to close out his career? I wish he had been selected for the ABs, but I would like to see him remain one more year with the Blues. Can you imagine Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Ma'a Nonu running at opponents?
Kia Kaha
Roar Guru
He has two sabbaticals in his time at the Blues. Think that’s going to be more a disruption than a blessing. Richie Mo’unga will be rubbing his hands together... Hurricanes finally add some steel to the pack and Beauden leaves. Got to feel for them and TJ will be distraught. Blues need a halfback signing as well. Beauden is going to find it tough going to come in halfway through the season and build a combination with someone completely new. Definitely a good signing for the Blues but how long will it take to pay dividends?
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
They desperately need a 9 too. Without TJ inside him BB may not be the complete superstar he is elsewhere
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Hayden Parker was rumoured to be going to the Highlanders but with Ioane playing so well they may not need them both. Canes to hopefully pick up one or the other of Parker/Ioane
Kiwikrs
Roar Rookie
Yeah got to feel sorry for the young 5/8s at the Blues. Recruited and moved up to get game time and one season later realise that the coaches have no faith in them for the next 4 years and it's back to riding the pine.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Nah, the rumours were out mate but it’s oretty obvious is it not? That Barrett of the Beauden Variety is a wise man ... he knows that there is only one place to be, a place where he sees his future. He knows good things are destined in Auckland over the next few years and he also knows not to stray too far away from the Missus’s wishes if he wants his marriage to remain happy and over the years. Yep he just knew, so keen is his brain, that his future lay in Auckland And per chance he is aware of a Super Rugby Team based there who have ‘ three’ not “one” but 3 super rugby titles, (not just the one) . Smart boy that Beauden. His brothers haven’t been that smart yet, either that or the Barrett clan has sent out an advance search party