Wellington, New Zealand -The All Blacks star flyhalf Beauden Barrett has inked a new deal across all levels of the game, in what is a major signing for New Zealand Rugby.
The 25-year-old Barrett has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby, as well as his Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise and his province Taranaki, through until the end of the 2019 season.
Barrett has been in scintillating form in 2016: he starred in the Steinlager Series against Wales, helped guide his Hurricanes team to their first ever Super Rugby title, and continued his glittering form in the two comprehensive Bledisloe Cup victories over Australia in the opening matches of the Rugby Championship.
“I love playing for the All Blacks and representing my country in the black jersey and I'm loving my footy at the moment. The All Blacks are an incredibly special team to be part of and I'm looking forward to playing my role and adding my small part to the legacy over the next few years, Barrett said.
“As well, with the Hurricanes we've built a great culture at the club and it's an exciting time to be involved with a great bunch of guys and a quality coaching staff. Next year I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to help build on our success this year. “I'm also a proud Taranaki man, proud of my roots and stoked to be recommitting to my home province.”
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said Barrett's signature was a key one for the organisation - and they were delighted to have locked him in with New Zealand Rugby through until 2019.
“This is a huge deal for us. 'Beaudy' is playing outstanding rugby at the moment and his rugby is going from strength to strength. “It's been great for all of us who have watched him develop from a young rugby player into a world-class All Black and we're all excited to see how he grows as a player in what will be a huge few years for rugby in New Zealand, with the New Zealand Lions Series next year and the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019.”
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen said: “It's great news for the team and great news for Beauden. He's fast becoming one of 'the' players in the world. “He's been a world-class player coming off the bench for some time, he's now graduated into starting Test matches for us, and this year he's been nothing short of spectacular. “He'll continue to grow - he's not the finished product yet, by any stretch of the imagination - but as he does, I think we'll see something pretty special, so it's nice to have him signed up and secure.”
Hurricanes head coach Chris Boyd said: “We're delighted that Beauden has decided to recommit to the Hurricanes. He's been a big part of our success over the past two seasons and has developed into a real leader within the group, both on and off the field. “We all saw the influence he had this season and his combination in the halves with TJ Perenara continues to go from strength to strength. It's an exciting time for the club and there's no doubt Beauden is a big part of our plans in the coming seasons.”
Hurricanes Chief Executive Avan Lee added: “Beauden has always been a key part of the club's plans and this year we all saw how influential he can be when he's playing somewhere near his potential. “I think I speak for all of the Hurricanes fans in saying there are some exciting times ahead for a player of his calibre wearing the No 10 jersey.”
Michael Collins, Taranaki Rugby's CEO, said: “Taranaki Rugby is incredibly excited to continue our association with Beauden Barrett. “While we know that it's highly unlikely that he'll be available to pull on the Coastal jersey or the Port Taranaki Bulls shirt, 'Beaudy' continues to be a willing contributor off the field for both Coastal and Taranaki Rugby. “The entire Taranaki community is proud of his achievements on the field and the opportunity to continue our association with Beauden is a no-brainer. We wish him every success with the All Blacks and Hurricanes.” - African News Agency (ANA)