Barrett still has more rest in store

Beauden Barrett still has two All Blacks rest weeks to sit out.

While it was initially thought his week one absence was one of his two scheduled weeks off, the first-five clarified yesterday it was part of an extended leave of absence in his contract.

‘‘Three years ago when my agent was negotiating my contract, we negotiated extended leave – I didn’t know I was going to get married at the time.

‘‘It was fitting that it’s a big year, obviously with the World Cup at the latter part of the season, but at the moment I’m focused on, and really excited about, returning for the Canes.’’

He went on to confirm it was separate from his two All Blacks weeks off, but said even those were up in the air.

‘‘All that sort of playing/not playing stuff is negotiable, so we’ll go through that at the right time.’’

Barrett spent his extended time off getting married to wife, Hannah, and honeymooning for 21⁄2 weeks in Dubai, Mauritius and Sri Lanka, returning on Monday to training.

That might irk a few people, but, as Barrett stated above, he had the extended leave, so even if he didn’t get married, he would likely still have been somewhere other than the Hurricanes’ base in Wellington.

It was similar to what Crusaders players Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read and Codie Taylor have done, except the Hurricanes have been slightly less clear about what category of leave Barrett’s absence falls under.

Barrett is not expected to play against the Crusaders on Saturday, given he would only have had five days of full training under his belt ahead of a highpressure derby match.

He did not categorically rule out playing, saying it would be a decision left to head coach John Plumtree.

‘‘Around my return, I’m not sure when or where it will be, so I’m just looking forward to getting back in with the group and training well.

‘‘I’ve been training the last couple of days and feel pretty good, so Plum and I are going through that at the moment.’’

Barrett said the extended break had allowed him to come back mentally refreshed.

‘‘I have to thank a number of people for letting me do that, go away, get married and have a honeymoon. Mentally, I feel really good.’’

The Hurricanes will want to get Barrett back as soon as possible after James Marshall was put in the long-term injury category after dislocating his shoulder against the Waratahs on Saturday.

Barrett can also be on hand to lend his experience and expertise to young first-five Fletcher Smith, who had an up-and-down Hurricanes debut against the Waratahs, but would be the player expected to lead the backline in Barrett’s absence.

Marshall joins lock Sam Lousi as the other long-term injury concern, with loose forward Vaea Fifita (hamstring, fitness), props Toby Smith (concussion) and Alex Fidow (shoulder), and Nehe Milner-skudder (shoulder) all unlikely to be available.

Matt Proctor has overcome the virus which kept him out of Saturday’s game and is in contention for selection.