New Zealand superstar Beauden Barrett has reportedly agreed a stunning multi-million pound move to Japan that will stop him from playing for the All Blacks for the next two years.
The double World Player of the Year is said to have agreed a two-year deal with Suntory Sungoliath, worth £780,000 per season.
The Daily Mail report the 29-year-old will join up with the Japanese franchise after this year’s autumn internationals.
The deal means that the mercurial fly-half would be unavailable for New New Zealand coach Ian Foster for the next two years.
However, the report points out that the deal will go ahead with the green light from New Zealand Rugby to ease the financial strain caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Barrett had only recently made his debut for the Auckland Blues after rugby resumed in New Zealand following a COVID-enforced delay, having joined from Hurricanes ahead of this year's Super Rugby competition.
Part of Barrett’s contract with the Blues said that he has an option to take a short playing break in Japan sometime over the next four years, with any break to be negotiated with NZR and the Blues.
It would seem he is now taking that opportunity.
Since making his All Blacks debut in 2012, Barrett has played 83 times for his country and many view him as the world's greatest player.
He'll join the growing list of high-profile players heading to Japan, with Welsh duo Hadleigh Parkes and Owen Williams also having signed deals in recent weeks.
Elsewhere around Europe, English trio Alex Goode, George Kruis and Freddie Burns are all heading over to play in Japan.
But landing a player of Barrett's talent is a huge coup for Japan and they will hope to persuade other stars to join their league on the back of his signing.
