Barrett to play year in Japan for $1.5m
AUCKLAND: All Black and Blues superstar Beauden Barrett has signed a lucrative oneyear deal to play for Suntory Sungoliath in Japan next year.
Barrett, who signed a fouryear deal with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues last year, will miss next year’s Super Rugby season and play for the Suntory club in Tokyo, before returning to New Zealand for the 2021 international season.
He will then remain in New Zealand for the rest of his contract until 2023.
The Japanese deal is reportedly worth $1.5 million per season, which would make Barrett one of the highestpaid players in the world.
Barrett will link with New Zealand coach Milton Haig, former coach of Georgia, and now head coach at Suntory Sungoliath.
England head coach Eddie Jones is acting as consultant.
The plan to play in Japan in 2021 is part of Barrett’s fouryear deal agreed last year with NZR and the Blues.
‘‘For me it made sense to go next year and then have two years back with the Blues and hopefully the All Blacks in the leadup to the Rugby World Cup,’’ Barrett said.
‘‘My wife and I are excited to head to Japan next year. It is an appealing place for a young family and comparatively safe in health terms.’’
NZR general manager professional rugby and performance Chris Lendrum said the arrangement was similar to what was in place for Barrett’s All Black teammates Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock who played in Japan this year.
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald said his coaching group had always planned to be without Barrett for the 2021 season.
‘‘Our focus is fully on the current campaign but we have plans for next year without Beaudy.
‘‘He will be a big loss but that is countered with what he is doing on and off the field this year, and that we get him for two more years.’’ — The New Zealand Herald