Brothers Barrett joining forces
Rookie All Blacks lock Scott Barrett has followed his brothers home and will play provincial rugby for Taranaki.
Barrett, 23, has signed with the union for two years and joins siblings Beauden and Jordie on Taranaki Rugby’s books, although the chances of all three playing together in the Mitre 10 Cup appear virtually nil.
In fact, there is a good chance the trio could be involved throughout the lengthy All Blacks campaign in 2017 given their form in Super Rugby.
That was the reality Taranaki Rugby chief executive Michael Collins was resigned to, although he said it did not diminish the significance of Scott’s signing on after he decided to leave Canterbury after they started the negotiations in December.
‘‘He is performing extremely well and had a really good end of year tour with the All Blacks,’’ he said. ‘‘But like all of our players, we hope they progress to Super Rugby and then progress to the All Blacks and Scott is no different, although we would like to see him in the amber and black jersey once or twice.’’
Barrett made his All Blacks debut off the bench during the world champions’ first ever loss to Ireland last year. He made three other appearances on that tour, starting against Italy, while he also played in the return test against Ireland in Dublin and France in Paris.
Taranaki coach Colin Cooper admitted they had been after him ‘‘for a few years’’ and was delighted at the prospect of him being involved in any capacity.
‘‘One of our values is to inspire and he will do that,’’ he said. ‘‘He will do a lot of work off the field as much as on it. That’s what we will gain as a union and people will want to be involved with us when you have got quality men like that.
‘‘As an All Black, he’s a player who could go anywhere, so for him to chose to come home and play for Taranaki is immense.’’
Barrett, the 2013 New Zealand under-20 player of the year, has been in Canterbury since he left Francis Douglas Memorial College to study at Lincoln University where he gained a bachelor of agriculture.
He said it was a tough decision to leave Canterbury but he was excited about playing for Taranaki, something his father Kevin did 167 times.
‘‘I have strong family connections with Taranaki rugby and grew up watching dad play for the province so it’s very special, we’re proud Taranaki people.’’
The chance to play alongside younger brother Jordie was also a contributing factor in his decision.
‘‘It would be that extra bit special. It will also be great being around the team and being able to help out.’’