Beauden Barrett get signed for another World cup

After agreeing to a new contract with New Zealand Rugby that runs through 2027, veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett will be available for the All Blacks in the middle of next year.

Barrett will return to New Zealand following his Toyota Verblitz commitments and be available for the All Blacks’ July Test series and Rugby Championship campaigns. Barrett is currently in preseason for the Japanese League 1 season.

Barrett will also return to the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific in 2025, ending speculation that he could rejoin the Hurricanes and once again play alongside younger brother Jordie.

Barrett’s retention is a huge coup for new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who will be without star No. 10 Richie Mo’unga after the Crusaders pivot signed a three-year deal with Toshiba Brave Lupus.

“It’s a huge privilege to put on the black jersey and one I will never take for granted,” Barrett said via a media release.

“I’m still really passionate about playing alongside my brothers Scott and Jordie for Coastal, Taranaki or the All Blacks so looking forward to adding value where I can on my return from Japan.

“I am also grateful for the continued support from Taranaki, the Blues and New Zealand Rugby.”

123-Test star Barrett played fullback for the All Blacks at this year’s World Cup, where the All Blacks were beaten in a dramatic final 12-11 by the Springboks.

But he could well be set for a switch back to fly-half, where a positional battle with the dynamic Damian McKenzie may play out; it is expected that Crusaders star Will Jordan will come into the mix at fullback given his standout performances under Robertson at Super Rugby level.

Whatever the case, Barrett’s new deal gives the opportunity to reach a fourth Rugby World Cup and potentially add to the Webb Ellis crown he won with the All Blacks in 2015.

“Beauden brings an enormous amount of class to the table,” Robertson said.

“He is the second most-capped All Black back in history for a reason and to have his knowledge and experience in our game is a reflection of his loyalty.”

New Zealand face England in two Tests in July, before a likely clash with Fiji. They then open their Rugby Championship campaign with two Tests away to the Springboks.

England captain Owen Farrell has announced he will take a break from international rugby and will not be available for the 2024 Six Nations.

In a statement on the Saracens website, the club said Farrell has made the decision “in order to prioritise his and his family’s mental well-being”.

Farrell captained England to the men’s Rugby World Cup semifinals in 2023 and is the country’s record points scorer but has decided to step away from playing for England for the time being.

“Everyone at England Rugby is fully behind Owen’s decision,” England head coach Steve Borthwick said. “Since making his debut, he has been an integral part of the England set up for over a decade and the demands on elite athletes are extremely challenging. He is an exemplary player, captain and leader and always gives his all for his country.

He helped the country reach the final of the 2019 men’s Rugby World Cup and to third place in France in October, but will not lead England out in the 2024 Six Nations. Farrell will continue to play for and captain Saracens during his international absence.