It’s not yet time for Beauden Barrett to break up with the All Blacks. The full-back, sometimes fly-half, will extend his lease with the All Blacks until 2027 following an agreement reached with the New Zealand Rugby Federation (NZR), the latter announced in a communiqué published Sunday.
Under the terms of this new contract, the 32-year-old, who currently plays in the Japanese League at Toyota Verblitz, undertakes to return to the fold in 2024 and once again defend the colors of the New Zealand franchise Auckland Blues in 2025.
“It’s a huge privilege to wear the black jersey (…) I’m always excited to continue playing in this All Blacks team,” commented Beauden Barrett, 2015 world champion and World Cup finalist. world 2023, who has a total of 123 caps and was twice elected rugby player of the year in 2016 and 2017 by World Rugby, the supreme rugby body.
“Beauden is not only an exceptional player, but also a remarkable leader, on and off the field. His return demonstrates the strength and appeal of our rugby environment,” said Mark Robinson, NZR boss. Scott Robertson, the new coach of the All Blacks since the end of the 2023 World Cup, was equally enthusiastic. “Beauden brings a lot of class. He is the second most capped backline player in All Blacks history and being able to still benefit from his knowledge and experience is a reflection of his loyalty,” he said.
In 2027, there will of course be this World Cup organized in Australia, a great goal to follow for someone who played all 7 of his team’s matches in France, in 2023. Beauden Barrett will be 36 years old at this next Cup. of the world.
