All Blacks veteran Beauden Barrett admits there is a lot to consider about whether he will continue playing until the 2027 Rugby World Cup or not.
The 31-year-old has over 100 caps for the All Blacks and will be making a move to Toyota Verblitz after this year’s World Cup with the possibility of returning to New Zealand to qualify for selection for the 2027 tournament.
“A lot to consider”
That looks to be the plan at this stage. However, the superstar playmaker knows there are many moving parts.
“The proposal at this stage is to go up north and then come back for three years,” Barrett told Stuff. “That’s what another cycle looks like. It’s whether I’m up for that, or whether this World Cup I’m gone for good. There is a lot to consider.”
Barrett insists he will take his time to make a clear decision aided by an option given by Toyota coach and former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
“For me the more important thing was not rushing into what happened after the initial stint (Suntory Sungoliath 2021), and giving myself time to make the right decision for me, and buying myself a little bit of time,” he said.
“I just felt it was not the right time in a pre-season to be making a decision on the future. It could be four years, and Steve [Hansen] up at Toyota gave me an option there. I’m grateful for that.”
The Blues star believes in the safety of a long-term deal – something he may look into with Toyota – but again is all about making clever decisions for his family.
”There’s security in doing long-term deals and with family too it is nice to have security,” said Barrett. “There’s a lot to consider. I’m a businessman too, and I’ve got to make smart decisions from an holistic point of view.”
Focused on the now
For now, Barrett underlined his desire to be in New Zealand representing the Blues and the All Blacks.
“Of course the desire is there,” he said. “That’s my sole focus for the remainder of this season, with the Blues and hopefully the All Blacks. I don’t have a date when I’ll make a decision, but it’s trying to think where I’ll be in four years’ time, what sort of condition I’ll be in, and my family situation. There are a lot of good things to consider.”
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