The Blues say they’re feeling confident in their ability to take Beauden Barrett’s 2021 Japan sabbatical sign in their stride. And since Barrett’s four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby, signed late last year, clearly stipulates the option of once-off 12-month period away, the star player’s upcoming absence was even factored into the selections-process for the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition. Forewarned is forearmed, says Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
The team covered its bases in the form of Harry Plummer, Otere Black and Stephen Perofeta. The possibility of temporarily having to make do without Barrett even influenced the team’s decision in terms of holding on to Otes in his current No. 10 position and bringing Beaudy in at fullback. And since team Blues gets to bank on getting Barrett back in good time for the World Cup, the most important bit has basically taken care of itself.
Not being able to compete financially with a country like Japan is the main driving force behind sabbatical clauses such as the one granted to Barrett. Its as simple a consideration as being part of a new rugby landscape. Time, says MacDonald, is more often than not what players want in return for their loyalty to New Zealand Rugby – time to head out, set themselves up financially, and be free to return worry-free to playing in New Zealand. Which is where most players want to be right off the bat in anyway.
Most guys really want to return to New Zealand before the time comes to retire, says MacDonald. And holding on to those legends matter a great deal to younger players yet to make name in New Zealand rugby.
| # | Site | Bonus | Bet | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Ladbrokes |  | 5/5 | 100% Match up to $250 NZD | Bet now Review |
| 2 |  | Palmerbet | | 4.9/5 | 100% Match | Bet now |
More About Trent Wilson
Trent Wilson is OnlineBetting.nz’s resident sports news expert. He draws on his extensive sporting knowledge, his qualification in sports management and his passion for betting to provide the latest, most up to date information on sporting events in New Zealand and across the globe. Trent is a veritable treasure trove of sports information and has been betting online for several years. He prides himself in keeping his readers informed, and in always offering an unbiased standpoint that reflects exactly what’s going on in the sports world.
View Posts - Visit WebsiteYou May Also Like:
NZ Rugby Mourning The Death Of Sean Wainui
New Zealand Rugby has described the sudden passing of Chiefs and All Blacks player Sean Wainui as a dark day for the game. Wainui died in a car crash early on Monday morning. According to a statement issued the Bay of Plenty police department, the crash at McLaren Falls had ….
Argentina Coach Unhappy Over Photo Exclusion
Argentina head coach Mario Ledesma on Saturday voiced extreme unhappiness on behalf of his team after the Argentinian Rugby Championship side got left out of the captain’s photoshoot in Townsville. Ledesma in a post-game conference delivered an unexpected message: one of reacting to a situation he said he deemed disrespectful. ….
Clarke In No Hurry For All Blacks Return
Caleb Clarke’s immediate plans for the future don’t involve re-joining the All Blacks – at least not soon. Instead, he’ll be returning to a 15-man Auckland backline on the weekend, albeit not to play. Despite having been named as part of the All Blacks Sevens team that won silver in ….
Wallabies Changes for Rugby Championship Opener
Dave Rennie has made some changes to the Wallabies lineup. This is as everyone readies for the Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks at Eden Park on August 14, 2021. He’s decided that his young backline could do with some experience and added Matt To’omua. The 31-year old player ….
AB Coach Ian Foster A Frustrated Figure
New Zealand coach Ian Foster says the lack of creative solutions available to sports teams looking to enter the country while the global health crisis drags on is nothing short of lamentable. The All Blacks coach described the situation as an ongoing frustration. Foster voiced his opinion on the back ….