Beefed up Barrett back after shoulder surgery

ALL BLACKS full-back Jordie Barrett will make his return to action for the Wellington Hurricanes development side today after he missed the second half of last season due to shoulder surgery.

The 21-year-old was a stand-out performer for the Hurricanes in his debut Super Rugby season last year, forcing his way into the All Blacks side to face the British and Irish Lions.

He started the drawn third match against the Lions and had been named in the All Blacks squad for the southern hemisphere’s Rugby Championship before he was forced out before the first game with a shoulder injury that required surgery.

Barrett, below, who had been involved in pre-season training with the Hurricanes, will come off the bench for the match against the Canterbury Crusaders development team in Christchurch.

“He has come through protocols during the week and is on schedule for his return to play and so he will take his opportunity,” Hurricanes recruitment and development manager Darren Larsen said.

“It’s exciting for him to come back and get a go. He will be on managed minutes but it’s great to see him back on the footy field, he’s really excited.”

Barrett, known for his aerial supremacy, and dynamic counter-attacking, has bulked up to put on around a stone in weight during his recovery.

Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd said: “Injuries always have a downside and an upside. The upside for him is that he’s had a really good opportunity to put some conditioning on

“He has comeback and he’s looking pretty frisky. I don’t think he’s lost any speed with the size so that bodes well for him.”