Beauden Barrett signs four-year deal with New Zealand Rugby and Blues
Beauden Barrett has played 73 Tests for New Zealand
©PA
New Zealand first-five Beauden Barrett has made a switch from Hurricanes to rivals Blues after signing a four-year deal with the Auckland based club.
Barrett, who went on to win World Rugby Player of the Year award twice has signed a new deal with New Zealand Rugby that will see him take an extended break at the end of the World Cup in Japan and will link up with Blues in midway next season.
This will also end his nine-year association with Hurricanes after being part of the Wellington-based franchise 125 times and also helped them to a Super Rugby title in 2016.
"This is obviously a massive decision for me and my wife Hannah and we're really looking forward to the next chapter of our lives," said Barrett.
"The Hurricanes will always be a huge part of who I am. The Hurricanes environment and style of rugby they play has helped me become the player I am today, and I'll be leaving some very good mates.
"Wellington has been my rugby base for many years and university base for Hannah and we'll always have fond memories of living there. Home for us now is Taranaki and Auckland and home and family are immensely important to both of us.
"I'm also enthusiastic about the new challenge I'll get with the Blues over the next four years. They're a team on the rise, I like the way they play and I'm really looking forward to being a part of that.
"While I'm looking forward to what the future holds, right now my focus is on the international season ahead with the All Blacks."
The 28-year-old has already represented the All Blacks in 73 Tests since his debut in 2012 and has amassed 595 points.
Blues head coach Leon MacDonald expressed delight on securing the services of Barrett.
"It's huge for our club," said MacDonald. "As well as getting a world-class player, our young first-fives will flourish with the opportunity to train and play alongside Beauden, and I am sure he will be an immediate fan favourite at Eden Park.
"We are happy to work with Beauden and New Zealand Rugby on the options he has negotiated for an extended break at the end of the year and potential offshore playing opportunity. He has earned that right."
