All Blacks' Barrett signs on for stint with Japan's Top League Suntory

Bauden Barrett scores a try in a quarterfinal against Ireland in Tokyo on Oct. 19, 2019. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

All Blacks flyhalf Bauden Barrett will play for the Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's rugby Top League from next season, which will start in January 2021, the team said Friday.

Barrett, a two-time recipient of the World Rugby Player of the Year award, is known for his skillful kicking and speed. He was a key member of the New Zealand team that placed third at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

According to the New Zealand Rugby, Barrett's four-year contract with the NZR and Super Rugby club Auckland Blues includes the option of an overseas playing sabbatical, and he chose to play in Japan in 2021.

Bauden Barrett tries to break the defense line in a pool stage match against Canada in Oita on Oct 2, 2019. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

The NZR allows top players to take a sabbatical leave to provide them with a change of pace in a different environment. Barrett will return to New Zealand when the All Blacks start team activities in 2021.

He is expected to join the Sungoliath in December this year.

"I'm excited to be joining the Suntory Rugby team and for my family to experience more of the Japanese lifestyle and culture," Barrett said in a message released by the Sungoliath. "I loved my time in Japan during the 2019 RWC and that experience made me want to come back for more."

ラグビーワールドカップ日本大会。グループリーグＢ組。ニュージーランド６３―０カナダ。前半３５分、ニュージーランドのＢ・バレットがトライを決める。大分スポーツ公園総合競技場で。２０１９年１０月２日撮影 (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

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