The Blues have failed in their bid to rush back Beauden Barrett for the Super Rugby play-offs after the All Blacks playmaker was ruled ineligible for next month's knockout phase.
The 123-Test veteran is back training with the Blues after his sabbatical in Japan with Toyota Verblitz ended earlier this month, but has been ruled out of any playoff action by governing body Sanzaar.
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"Beauden Barrett was not able to meet the stipulated requirements for dispensation and as such he has been ruled ineligible for Super Rugby Finals," said tournament director Matt Barlow in a statement (via Radio NZ).
"The eligibility rules state that any players holding overseas contracts at the beginning of the 2024 SRP (Super Rugby Pacific) season would have to be eligible to play in the country of that team on or prior to April 1 2024.
"This is in alignment with World Rugby regulations which precludes the holding of dual contracts."
The Blues had hoped Barrett could provide cover for injured full-back Zarn Sullivan, who has a torn knee ligament.
"Beaudy is back from Japan and given he’s contracted with the Blues in 2025 and lives in Auckland he’s back training with the team," they said via social media last weekend.
"The Blues are seeking clarification around the application process for including him at the Blues for the remainder of this season."
AFP understands that Barrett, who would still have been eligible to play in this weekend’s final round of regular season games, will not now be selected by the Blues to face the Chiefs on Saturday.
The Blues still sit top of the Super Rugby ladder despite their defeat to the Crusaders last weekend.
They need a bonus-point win over the Hamilton-based side to claim up the minor premiership, with the Hurricanes equal on the same points
