Barrett hints at Japan move after World Cup
All Blacks star Beauden Barrett has revealed his willingness for a potential playing sabbatical in Japan after next year’s World Cup campaign.
Several New Zealand players sought riches in Europe after the last World Cup in England in 2015, but Japan is emerging as a desirable destination for All Blacks considering a break from the rigours of Super Rugby and internationals.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has previously allowed sabbaticals for the likes of Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Ben Smith and Barrett, the reigning two-time world player of the year, is one player whose future is uncertain following next year’s global tournament in Japan.
With some leading All Blacks weighing up potentially lucrative contracts overseas beyond 2019, the 27-year-old first-five admitted that Japan was an option when discussing the possibility of a sabbatical.
‘‘There is a lot to like about Japan,’’ he told reporters in Tokyo ahead of the third Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Yokohoma on Saturday.
‘‘What I can say is there is good open communication with the coaches, my management and NZR and I am happy that at the right time I will make the right decision.’’
Several Kiwis – including Matt Todd, Elliot Dixon, Israel Dagg, Augustine Pulu and Tom Franklin – are now playing in Japan after Super Rugby instead of the Mitre 10 Cup.
Fringe All Blacks such as Todd have left for Japan, where the relatively short season (and no season in 2019 due to the World Cup) and proximity
‘‘I am happy that at the right time I will make the right decision.’’ Beauden Barrett
to New Zealand make it an attractive option, helping stem the flow of Kiwi players departing for riches in France and England.
New Zealand Rugby head of professional rugby Chris Lendrum revealed as much in an interview with Stuff earlier this year.
‘‘We’ve got a number of higher profile Super Rugby players who are going to spend the second half of the year in Japan,’’ he said.
‘‘In a world where there are a range of evils around player retention it is the lesser of two evils.
‘‘It’s significantly closer to New Zealand than Europe, the top companies pay very well, and it is obviously a lifestyle experience. Almost all of those players are returning to play Super Rugby in 2019 and be available almost all the way through 2019 .
‘‘That is a little bit how the world is starting to work and there is a benefit to New Zealand clearly in that we get these players back – they are departing on a temporary basis.’’
Player agent Shane Singe said the Japanese option was becoming increasingly attractive for players who otherwise might seek a European deal.
‘‘Players are becoming a little bit more understanding of the wear and tear on your body [in Japan compared with Europe], the proximity to New Zealand, the length of the European season.’’