Why All Blacks captain Scott Barrett will likely have sabbatical in 2026

Tuesday, 29 July 2025

ANALYSIS: The Crusaders’ title defence without Scott Barrett is inevitable if the All Blacks captain exercises his right for a sabbatical in 2026.

Barrett is contracted to NZ Rugby until the 2027 World Cup but a clause in the 81-test lock's deal allows him to miss Super Rugby Pacific next year, and next year shapes as the ideal window to rest ahead of the global tournament.

There is no option to play offshore in his NZ Rugby contract.

This means he won’t follow in the footsteps of brothers Jordie and Beauden who have exercised their right to take sabbaticals to play in Ireland and Japan in recent seasons.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is certain to play a role in Scott Barrett's destiny as the pair scrutinise next year's itinerary.

Although yet to be confirmed, the All Blacks' programme is expected to include a tough eight-game tour, including three tests against the Springboks, in South Africa.

Another test against the world champions at a neutral venue will be played as a lucrative money-spinner for both national unions.

Barrett, who turns 32 in November, must be tempted to pull the trigger next year and activate the non-playing break in his NZ Rugby contract in 2026.

Prior to negotiating his current deal, Barrett and NZ Rugby would have determined he was better to log game-time with the Crusaders in 2027 prior to joining the All Blacks for a crack at the Webb Ellis Cup in Australia later that season.

It's a template used by All Blacks heavyweights in the past.

Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw took a non-playing sabbatical in 2013 - two years before leading the team to its defence of the Webb Ellis Cup in Britain - which allowed him to sidestep his duties at the Crusaders.

The following year it was All Blacks No 10 Dan Carter's turn to unhitch himself from the Crusaders.

Like McCaw, he preferred to travel and rest mind and body, rather than play in another tournament to line his pockets.

McCaw and Carter returned to play a significant role in the All Blacks winning the World Cup in 2015 before retiring from the international stage. McCaw then gave up all rugby, while Carter continued his career in France and Japan.

Unlike a number of other All Blacks who will play offshore next year, Barrett won’t be dusting off his passport. A break from the game won’t involve playing rugby.

Wing/centre Rieko Ioane is going to join Irish club Leinster instead of returning for another year at the Blues.

He fills a space in the Leinster roster created by fellow back Jordie Barrett, with the latter returning to the Hurricanes.

Loose forward Ardie Savea and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown have both confirmed they won't be back for Moana Pasifika and the Chiefs, respectively, because they will join the Kobe Steelers club in Japan.

Managing Barrett's workload ahead of the World Cup must be taken into consideration ahead of the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

His input during the recent three-test series against the French was limited to the first match in Dunedin.

Barrett had to be replaced in the second half after injuring a calf muscle and was ruled out of the tests in Wellington and Hamilton. Savea took over the captaincy.

Last year Barrett started in 11 of the All Blacks' 14 tests. Injury forced him to miss the opening two matches against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, and he was rested from the test against Japan.

But he had a miserable time of it for the Crusaders. Barrett made just five appearances in 14 games.

In 2024 All Blacks team-mate and hooker Codie Taylor missed the majority of the Crusaders' season, having been granted an extended rest period.

He returned to play four games at the end of the regular season, and played like a man possessed. Taylor was fresh, hungry and motivated.

It won’t have escaped the attention of Barrett or Robertson.