All Black Beauden Barrett Signs with Suntory

All Blacks flyhalf Beauden Barrett, 29, will play for the Suntory Sungoliath in Japan’s Top League next season, which starts in January 2021, Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun reports.

Barrett, a two-time recipient of the World Rugby Player of the Year award, is known for his skilful 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 New Zealand Rugby (NZR), 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.

“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.

Original article by The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 5, 2020.