Barrett's Blues debut to come in April
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All Black and now Blues' playmaker Beauden Barrett is set to only make his debut with his new side in April next year, with Blues fans made to wait to see their new signing in action.
The star All Black has been given an extended break following the Rugby World Cup after he exercised a clause in his contract allowing him an extended break from the game.
Blues Head Coach Leon MacDonald confirmed the news to reporters in Auckland on Friday. He also told reporters that Barrett had attended some training sessions with his new teammates but was not expected "on the grass" until mid-April.
Barrett signed a four-year contract with the Blues in July, ending an eight-year association with the Hurricanes. The contract allowed him the extended break ahead of the 2020 season and also the option to pursue a short-term deal in Japan.
His debut could come in Week 11 when he would debut against his former side, the Hurricanes on April 11. Barrett would then have 7 rounds remaining to help the Blues reach the Super Rugby playoffs, something they have not done since 2011.
MacDonald said Barrett's late arrival was no cause for concern.
"We're happy, he's happy, and it's no different to guys coming back late through injury or whatever the cause," he added. "So you adapt with players coming and going all the time."
MacDonald added that All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane would be given every opportunity to cement a switch to the midfield this season, a move the 22-year-old has been calling for over the last two years.
"We're committed to giving Rieko a good crack at centre," added MacDonald. "It will be up to him whether he becomes the starting centre.
"Nobody is assured of any position, so he understands that. He made it clear he'll do whatever is best for the team. But I've seen him play centre and he's pretty outstanding there as well."
