Beauden "Sushi" Barrett Goooooooooooone

[Enzedder]

reports are that he has signed a deal worth $3m for 2 seasons on Japan.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all ... ztYcATyKRg

All Blacks star Beauden Barrett could be lost to Japan with reports he has signed a $3m deal for two seasons of club action there.

The Daily Mail reports that Barrett, a double world player of the year, has agreed to join the Suntory Sungoliath.

They suggest the 29-year-old will make the move to Japan at the end of this year, with New Zealand Rugby agreeing to the deal to “help ease the financial strain of Covid-19.

In 2019, Barrett signed a four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby (NZR). But he has a clause in his Blues deal allowing an option to take a break in Japan over that period.

In the lead-up to last year’s World Cup in Japan, Barrett expressed an interest about playing there.

"There is a lot to like about Japan," he said then.

"What I can say is there is good open communication with the coaches, my management and NZR and I am happy that at the right time I will make the right decision."

There has been constant speculation about the gifted playmaker’s future given the massive money available offshore.

This year he has been linked to a new American league and most recently was named as the No 1 target for ambitious French second division club Berziers, the 11-time Top 14 champions, who are desperate to become a force in Europe again.

Japan has become an increasingly favoured destination for top New Zealand rugby players, including New Zealand Rugby helping set up sabbatical deals there.

Leading All Blacks locks Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick have both been playing in Japan this year though that championship was halted by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Suntory Goliath are coached by well-travelled New Zealander Milton Haig.

They have England coach Eddie Jones in a consultancy role as director of rugby.

The Kiwi players on their current books are Tevita Li, Richard Judd, Jordan Smiler, Tui Hendrik, and Joe Latta,

Stuff

[iarmhí]

Why would he do that?

He's got so much more to give and is still in his prime

[Sandstorm]

Why would he do that?

He's got so much more to give and is still in his prime

Two years in Japan, then back for Soup 2023 and the RWC. Easy money.

[Hugo]

Obviously the appeal of playing in Japan is financial (for the players) but what do the clubs and Japanese rugby get out it? Does it increase interest in Japanese club rugby or add to their gate or TV rights? I can't say I've ever watched Japanese club rugby to know how exactly these imports alter the landscape, if at all.

[Sandstorm]

Obviously the appeal of playing in Japan is financial (for the players) but what do the clubs and Japanese rugby get out it? Does it increase interest in Japanese club rugby or add to their gate or TV rights? I can't say I've ever watched Japanese club rugby to know how exactly these imports alter the landscape, if at all.

Gambling probably

[Guy Smiley]

He’s gone but not gone. Still available for 2021...

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/420381 ... all-blacks

The move to Japan will see Barrett miss next year's Super Rugby season with the Blues, before he returns to New Zealand for the 2021 international season.

The plan to play in Japan in 2021 is part of Barrett's four-year deal agreed last year with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Blues.

"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 said.

[Aficionado]

Nowhere near the player he was 014-017 certainly lost some pace as you would expect with ageing. Kick and clapper for the Blues thus far this season.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Nowhere near the player he was 014-017 certainly lost some pace as you would expect with ageing. Kick and clapper for the Blues thus far this season.

Hmm now when have I heard that before?

Oh yeah, in the years leading up to RWC 2015 about the 10 who would be named man of the match in the final.

[Guy Smiley]

Nowhere near the player he was 014-017 certainly lost some pace as you would expect with ageing. Kick and clapper for the Blues thus far this season.

Hmm now when have I heard that before?

Oh yeah, in the years leading up to RWC 2015 about the 10 who would be named man of the match in the final.

2015 would fall between 014-017 on most calendar devices.

[Aficionado]

Nowhere near the player he was 014-017 certainly lost some pace as you would expect with ageing. Kick and clapper for the Blues thus far this season.

Hmm now when have I heard that before?

Oh yeah, in the years leading up to RWC 2015 about the 10 who would be named man of the match in the final.

I don't know the relevance of that but on his best day at 1st/5 BB never reached the standard of DC. BB always served the AB as best value from the bench. Not started that many at f/b but not much more than middling for my money, certainly not even close to any of his predecessors from Bender back.
That said his predesessors had the benefit of better packs to work with, that certainly makes a difference.

[CrazyIslander]

Can't believe he's 29 already

[iarmhí]

Beauden lived in Ireland as a child. His dad moved there to mind a dairy farm for 2 years after his brother died.

Beauden played gaelic football as a child in Ireland. I can only imagine with his speed he was pretty good at it

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Nowhere near the player he was 014-017 certainly lost some pace as you would expect with ageing. Kick and clapper for the Blues thus far this season.

Hmm now when have I heard that before?

Oh yeah, in the years leading up to RWC 2015 about the 10 who would be named man of the match in the final.

2015 would fall between 014-017 on most calendar devices.

If we were talking about the same player.

[Jimmy Smallsteps]

Nowhere near the player he was 014-017 certainly lost some pace as you would expect with ageing. Kick and clapper for the Blues thus far this season.

Hmm now when have I heard that before?

Oh yeah, in the years leading up to RWC 2015 about the 10 who would be named man of the match in the final.

I don't know the relevance of that but on his best day at 1st/5 BB never reached the standard of DC. BB always served the AB as best value from the bench. Not started that many at f/b but not much more than middling for my money, certainly not even close to any of his predecessors from Bender back.
That said his predesessors had the benefit of better packs to work with, that certainly makes a difference.

I just meant that DC used to get the criticism that BB is getting now, that his best form was/is behind them.

DC then went on to have a storming 2015 RWC.

BB's best position is definitely fullback, on that we agree.

[Guy Smiley]

If we were talking about the same player.

Ah yes... MOTM. I posted before the second coffee and skimmed your post. Fair point

[FujiKiwi]

Obviously the appeal of playing in Japan is financial (for the players) but what do the clubs and Japanese rugby get out it? Does it increase interest in Japanese club rugby or add to their gate or TV rights? I can't say I've ever watched Japanese club rugby to know how exactly these imports alter the landscape, if at all.

I think a few more fans might come in through the turnstiles for big names, especially since the RWC has raised awareness of rugby here in Japan. Barrett is known over here even by a few people who only took a peripheral interest in the sport starting last year.

The companies that have teams in the competition just want the prestige of winning. Boasting rights among themselves. That's my take. And of course, that means securing the services of recent ex-Test players, along with other good players from overseas in key positions. Securing a current test superstar will be seen as a coup.

We were flying back to Japan from a trip home to NZ last year and Brodie Retallick boarded just head of us. It was before he'd officially signed with the Kobelco Steelers, but as soon as we saw him and his missus board the flight, we guessed he was going to be doing a stint in Japan pretty soon.

[Torquemada 1420]

We were debating (with some pretty polarised views) on the Blues match thread last Sat whether he had a future with the Blues. Guess not then.

[FujiKiwi]

Sounds like he takes next year off, then plays 2022/23 looking at participating in the next RWC. It looks good on paper, for the Blues, providing a lot of other things go our way (Black and Perofeta getting fit/staying fit, etc.).

[Guy Smiley]

We were debating (with some pretty polarised views) on the Blues match thread last Sat whether he had a future with the Blues. Guess not then.

Eh? He signed a 4 year deal that included a year in Japan. He’s secured a great deal and has a decent career path mapped out in NZ... it’s a template we could see followed by quite a few others as it sidesteps the lure of European cash while keeping players connected to NZ.

Win win.

[Torquemada 1420]

We were debating (with some pretty polarised views) on the Blues match thread last Sat whether he had a future with the Blues. Guess not then.

Eh? He signed a 4 year deal that included a year in Japan. He’s secured a great deal and has a decent career path mapped out in NZ... it’s a template we could see followed by quite a few others as it sidesteps the lure of European cash while keeping players connected to NZ.

Win win.

Apologies (in part). I assumed it meant he was going to Japan full stop.

The match discussion was about whether he was wasted at FB and if his form or influence had waned as a consequence. Hence, I read a (erroneously) switch to Japan as answering some of those questions from the player's perspective.

Would be interesting to hear AC's opinion on this type of contract given his strident views on mercs and poaching!

[Guy Smiley]

We were debating (with some pretty polarised views) on the Blues match thread last Sat whether he had a future with the Blues. Guess not then.

Eh? He signed a 4 year deal that included a year in Japan. He’s secured a great deal and has a decent career path mapped out in NZ... it’s a template we could see followed by quite a few others as it sidesteps the lure of European cash while keeping players connected to NZ.

Win win.

Apologies (in part). I assumed it meant he was going to Japan full stop.

The match discussion was about whether he was wasted at FB and if his form or influence had waned as a consequence. Hence, I read a (erroneously) switch to Japan as answering some of those questions from the player's perspective.

Would be interesting to hear AC's opinion on this type of contract given his strident views on mercs and poaching!

There are a number of juicy tangents to follow here... :)

I think playing him at 15 is the best way to utilise his talents, especially considering he’s been parachuted into an established set up. The Blues have an up and coming 10 in Black who has been developing nicely with the existing backline and here’s the key to that...

Quite a few of us, AC included, don’t rate BB as a genuine 10. He’s not the sort of player to control a game and set his outside players up through structured play or superior distribution. He’s much more of an opportunist style player with a tendency to do it all himself. His first impulse with the balm in hand has been to run laterally looking for a break, cramping his outside backs for space.

Playing him at 15 capitalises on his natural talent and speed. Moving him into 10 late in the game or at various stages early in the game gains the benefit of his impact and speed in the line which is how he gained the world’s attention starting out years back. It’s much more of a natural position for him... and interesting to note he’s tempered his game to suit, working with his wingers and employing a measured, intelligent kicking game to complement his backline.

I think it’s been a master stroke from the coaching team under Leon MacDonald and it bodes well for the Blues over the next few years... all the more so now they’ve added Dan Carter to their list as well.

I’ll go so far as to suggest we’re watching the awakening of a sleeping giant in NZ rugby... something we haven’t seen in a very long time, an Auckland Blues team harnessing the richness of talent available to it. It would be great to see if I’m right but as a Canterbury person and supporter, it’s the last thing I need

[Torquemada 1420]

There are a number of juicy tangents to follow here... :)

I think playing him at 15 is the best way to utilise his talents, especially considering he’s been parachuted into an established set up. The Blues have an up and coming 10 in Black who has been developing nicely with the existing backline and here’s the key to that...

Quite a few of us, AC included, don’t rate BB as a genuine 10. He’s not the sort of player to control a game and set his outside players up through structured play or superior distribution. He’s much more of an opportunist style player with a tendency to do it all himself. His first impulse with the balm in hand has been to run laterally looking for a break, cramping his outside backs for space.

Playing him at 15 capitalises on his natural talent and speed. Moving him into 10 late in the game or at various stages early in the game gains the benefit of his impact and speed in the line which is how he gained the world’s attention starting out years back. It’s much more of a natural position for him... and interesting to note he’s tempered his game to suit, working with his wingers and employing a measured, intelligent kicking game to complement his backline.

I think it’s been a master stroke from the coaching team under Leon MacDonald and it bodes well for the Blues over the next few years... all the more so now they’ve added Dan Carter to their list as well.

I’ll go so far as to suggest we’re watching the awakening of a sleeping giant in NZ rugby... something we haven’t seen in a very long time, an Auckland Blues team harnessing the richness of talent available to it. It would be great to see if I’m right but as a Canterbury person and supporter, it’s the last thing I need

FWIW, I've never been convinced of him as a 10 in the modern game. More like a Carlos player but then Carlos played when the game was far less structured.

Leon is one of my favourite players ever: because he was so smart. And that's really showing at the Blues now. So I'm not going to question too heavily his tactical decision making. Funny thing is both AC and I agreed (a rarity!) that Otere
was barely an ITM standard FH so either he has improved or Leon has utilised him far more cleverly. He certainly tackles better now!

What I'm not convinced about is BB's kicking which was always erratic and unreliable (maybe more so off the tee) so I get the use of him as a counter attacking weapon at FB but remain less bought into the tactical kicking aspect (for now).

[Hugo]

Obviously the appeal of playing in Japan is financial (for the players) but what do the clubs and Japanese rugby get out it? Does it increase interest in Japanese club rugby or add to their gate or TV rights? I can't say I've ever watched Japanese club rugby to know how exactly these imports alter the landscape, if at all.

I think a few more fans might come in through the turnstiles for big names, especially since the RWC has raised awareness of rugby here in Japan. Barrett is known over here even by a few people who only took a peripheral interest in the sport starting last year.

The companies that have teams in the competition just want the prestige of winning. Boasting rights among themselves. That's my take. And of course, that means securing the services of recent ex-Test players, along with other good players from overseas in key positions. Securing a current test superstar will be seen as a coup.

We were flying back to Japan from a trip home to NZ last year and Brodie Retallick boarded just head of us. It was before he'd officially signed with the Kobelco Steelers, but as soon as we saw him and his missus board the flight, we guessed he was going to be doing a stint in Japan pretty soon.

Thanks for the insight.