Twice World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett will look to continue his All Blacks career next year under new coach Scott Robertson after signing a deal to the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle.
Playing in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, the 32-year-old will return home next year to be available for selection and will be back playing for the Blues in Super Rugby in 2025.
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"It's a huge privilege to put on the black jersey and one I will never take for granted," the All Blacks fullback said in a New Zealand Rugby (NZR) statement on Monday.
"I’m still really passionate about playing alongside my brothers Scott and Jordie for Coastal, Taranaki or the All Blacks so looking forward to adding value where I can on my return from Japan.
"I am also grateful for the continued support from Taranaki, the Blues and New Zealand Rugby.”
Barrett, along with younger brothers Scott and Jordie, was in the starting XV for the All Blacks' 12-11 defeat by South Africa in October's World Cup final in France.
The 123-test All Black has been a key part of their success since his 2012 debut, scoring 734 points and 43 tries across a career that included the 2015 World Cup triumph in England.
Barrett's signature is a coup for Robertson as the former Crusaders' boss looks to regenerate an All Blacks squad that have lost plenty of experience and a slew of great players to retirement since their final defeat in Paris.
"Beauden brings an enormous amount of class to the table," Robertson said in the NZR statement.
"He is the second most-capped All Black back in history for a reason and to have his knowledge and experience in our game is a reflection of his loyalty."
“Beauden is wonderful to have at the Blues, he’s one of rugby’s good people and treats everyone with respect,” added former All Black and Blues CEO Andrew Hore.
“He’s been a key driver for many of our social projects and community work over the last few years, such as our Covid and flood response, and is someone who’s prepared to share his views in the team environment for the greater good.
“Any contract extension is when we reflect on a player’s time at the club and in finalising this contract it gave the Blues and Beauden the opportunity to review where we’ve come from and commit to the vision we have for the team and club.”
