All Blacks star Beauden Barrett is headed to Japan in a move that will reportedly ease the financial pain of COVID-19 on NZ Rugby.
Since debuting last month, the two-time World Player of the Year has played a starring role in the Blues' Super Rugby Aotearoa resurgence, where they are unbeaten atop the table.
But the Auckland-based franchise has confirmed Barrett will take next season off to play for the Suntory Sungoliath club on a deal believed to be worth NZ$1.5m, which he will take up after this year's All Blacks programme.
"For me, it made sense to go next year and then have two years back with the Blues and hopefully the All Blacks in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup," Barrett says.
"My wife and I are excited to head to Japan next year. It is an appealing place for a young family and comparatively safe in health terms."
Overnight, The Daily Mail claimed his contract would extend to two years and Barrett wouldn't play for the national team during that time. The deal would also relieve NZ Rugby from paying his massive contract under post-coronavirus financial strain.
Barrett's current four-year contract with NZ Rugby contains a brief Japanese sabbatical clause, but he is not expected to miss any international commitments.
While Barrett, 29, would be near the top of any rugby recruitment list and has previously been linked with other big-money contacts around the world, he has chosen to follow former teammates Kieran Read, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Dan Carter to Japan.
"The arrangement is similar to what was in place for Beaudy's All Blacks teammates Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, who played in Japan this year," says NZR professional rugby & performance general manager Chris Lendrum.
"That flexibility in our contracting is key - it allows our top players to refresh in a different rugby environment, but remain committed to NZ Rugby, which - in the long term - is great for both parties."
Before COVID-19 forced an early end to the Japanese season, Suntory Sungoliath were coached by Kiwi Milton Haig, who guided Georgia at last year's World Cup, and their roster included former NZ Super Rugby players Tevita Li, Richard Judd, Joe Wheeler and Joe Latta.
England coach Eddie Jones - a former Australia and Japan national coach - is consultant for the club.
Blues coach Leon MacDonald is putting on a brave face at the temporary departure of his prize recruit after just one interrupted season.
"Our focus is fully on the current campaign, but we have plans for next year without Beaudy," he says. "He will be a big loss, but that is countered with what he is doing on and off the field this year, and that we get him for two more years.
"We have Otere Black playing terrific rugby and Harry Plummer, who has been coming off the bench, while we will have Stephen Perofeta back next season from injury."
The Blues have a Super Rugby Aotearoa bye this weekend, before facing the three-time defending champion Crusaders next week.
