Beauden Barrett to join Super Rugby Rivals?
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Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett could make the switch from the Hurricanes to the Blues with his current deal expiring at the end of the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Patrick McKendry broke the story in his piece for the NZ Herald where he revealed that the 'underperforming Auckland-based franchise have never given up luring the quality playmaker north.'
The Blues are still yet to find a replacement for All Black Carlos Spencer and have failed in their attempts to recruit the likes of Barrett, Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson since 2003.
Barrett is expected to sign a similar deal to that of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick who will head to Japan before returning to New Zealand in 2021.
The first-five could even head to Europe for a season after the World Cup or even take a non-playing sabbatical.
Although the speculation around Barrett's future has done the rounds, a spokesman for the Hurricanes told Stuff that they are continuing to talk to Barrett and his representatives about remaining with them for his Super Rugby.
NZR's chief executive Tew confirmed New Zealand Rugby was negotiating with Barrett regarding his movements post the World Cup later this year.
"We are in long-term and serious discussions with Beauden and will hopefully make an announcement soon."
If Barrett were to sign with the Blues, it could cause a domino effect of movements in New Zealand. Jordie Barrett's contract is also coming to an end after the World Cup and the youngest Barrett could decide to sign with the Crusaders and join his other brother Scott at the franchise and work his former Canterbury head coach Scott Robertson.
Jordie Barrett could also be keen to play in the midfield with Jack Goodhue, who he starred with at u20s level as well as in the Mitre 10 Cup with Canterbury.
The Blues have used Harry Plummer and Otere Black this season but they also have promising talent Stephen Perofeta on their books, who was ruled out for the entire Super Rugby season.
Barrett would dominate the 10 jersey in 2021 and Black could try get out the final season of his contract to get more game time after spending most of his time at the Hurricanes on the bench behind Barrett before joining the Blues.
Black could find regular minutes at the Highlanders or Chiefs if he were to leave the Blues. Josh Ioane might have cemented the starting jersey at the Highlanders by that time but Black could push him for a place while the Chiefs have yet to find a replacement for Aaron Cruden.
