BBC Rugby Union: Scott Barrett Commits to All Blacks Ahead of 2024 Test Season
(BBC, 2023) – In a significant boost for New Zealand Rugby ahead of the 2024 Test season, lock Scott Barrett has agreed to extend his stay with the national team until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 30-year-old second-row, who has been a crucial cog for the All Blacks in recent years, is open to the prospect of taking on the captaincy role, although he acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with new head coach Scott Robertson.
Barrett’s contract extension comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of New Zealand Rugby, with former fullback Mils Muliaina describing the organization as ‘broken’. However, the lock’s commitment provides a timely shot in the arm for the governing body as they prepare for the upcoming international calendar.
Alongside fellow Crusaders forward Codie Taylor, who has also signed a deal that will take him through to the 2027 World Cup, Barrett will be expected to play an increasingly influential role for the All Blacks. The second-row expressed his desire to finally secure a Rugby World Cup triumph, having experienced disappointment in 2019 and 2023.
“That’s a huge driver of extending. There’s certainly a lot of pain for the last couple of World Cups, personally,” Barrett said. “Scars, I guess, that probably won’t go away. That’s a big driver to give myself another opportunity to go to a World Cup – if I’m playing and performing well.”
Despite being sidelined for much of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season due to a back injury, Barrett is confident that he will be fit and ready to feature in the All Blacks’ upcoming Test series against England in July. The lock’s strong connection with new All Blacks head coach Robertson, forged during their time together at the dominant Crusaders franchise, could also work in his favor as he vies for the coveted captaincy role.
“Those decisions are fully on Razor. We’ve had conversations over the past five or six months around the All Black environment, and areas that are critical going forward,” Barrett said. “Ultimately, the decision sits with him.”
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