Robertson hails Barrett decision
Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, recognising a heck of an insurance policy when he sees one, has hailed the retention of star playmaker Beauden Barrett in the New Zealand game following his second stint playing in Japan in 2024.
After yesterday’s official confirmation of Barrett’s re-signing, first reported by Stuff on Sunday, the new All Blacks coach endorsed the groundbreaking deal that will see the 123-cap Barrett retained in the New Zealand game through to the end of the 2027 season, and a potential fourth tilt at the World Cup.
Barrett is playing the upcoming 2023-24 Japan League One season with Toyota Verblitz, but will return to New Zealand soon after and will be available for the All Blacks later this year under his new deal with NZ Rugby. He also played the 2021 season in Japan (for Suntory Sungoliath) as part of a sabbatical clause in his then contract.
As reported by Stuff on Sunday, Barrett will also resume his Super Rugby Pacific career with the Auckland-based Blues from 2025, with the franchise providing a key component of the financial package that will keep the two-time world player of the year in the New Zealand rugby mix.
It’s a key re-signing for both the Blues and the All Blacks, which Robertson recognised in the wake of the announcement. With incumbent national No 10 Richie Mo’unga committed to a three-year deal in Japan with the Toshiba Brave Lupus, Barrett’s retention gives the new All Blacks coach valuable experience in the first-receiver position.
Barrett is equally adept at both first-five and fullback, though it’s in the former position that Robertson might be more inclined to use him.
It’s likely Robertson will return star outside back Will Jordan to his preferred fullback position, where he played so successfully under the new national coach at the Crusaders, which would leave Barrett to cover No 10 alongside the likes of talented utility Damian McKenzie and rising young Blues and Taranaki playmaker Stephen Perofeta.
Robertson, who will also have loose forwards Ardie Savea and Sam Cane returning from one-season stints in Japan in 2024, could also turn to the likes of Shaun Stevenson, David Havili and McKenzie to provide additional cover at No 15.
But it’s at 10 where the experience factor is light behind Barrett. McKenzie has started just five tests there for the All Blacks, while Perofeta featured in just three internationals under Ian Foster in 2022, before being jettisoned from the national squadthis year.
It will be interesting to see whether Robertson can revive Barrett’s career in the first five-eighth position, after he largely stagnated there under Foster who finally admitted defeat and shifted the talented game-changer to the No 15 role.
Barrett said his decision reflected his desire to continue to represent New Zealand on the global stage.
“It’s a huge privilege to put on the black jersey and one I will never take for granted,” he said. “I’m still really passionate about playing alongside my brothers Scott and Jordie ... so [I’m] looking forward to adding value where I can on my return from Japan.”
Barrett debuted for the All Blacks in 2012, and has scored 734 points, and 43 tries, during a career that included a Rugby World Cup title in 2015. He has also played 30 times for the Blues since 2020.