British media had reported that Barrett, twice World Participant of the 12 months, had signed a two-year contract price about NZ$1.5 million ($977,000) a yr, which might have made him ineligible for the All Blacks till 2023.
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The Blues, nonetheless, mentioned he would solely miss Tremendous Rugby and be obtainable for the All Blacks in 2021.
Barrett made the shift north to the Blues this yr after 9 seasons with the Wellington Hurricanes, however had an prolonged low season following final yr’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.
He didn’t play within the full Tremendous Rugby competitors earlier than it was suspended because of the COVID-19 shutdown however made his debut for the Blues towards the Hurricanes within the home Tremendous Rugby Aotearoa competitors that began final month.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald, who has been enjoying Barrett at fullback, mentioned the aspect had been effectively ready for shedding the 29-year-old for the 2021 season.
“He might be an enormous loss,” MacDonald mentioned. “However that’s countered with what he’s doing on and off the sphere this yr, and that we get him for 2 extra years.”
Reuters