All Blacks star Beauden Barrett has signed to play for Japan club the Suntory Sungoliath. Barrett confirmed the move on Friday, meaning he will miss next year’s Super Rugby season. Barrett, who plays first-five and fullback has been a big hit with the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa after making the move north from the Hurricanes. In the lead-up to last year’s World Cup in Japan, Barrett expressed an interest about playing there. Japan has become an increasingly favoured destination for top New Zealand rugby players, including New Zealand Rugby helping set up sabbatical deals there.

Source: Stuff July 02, 2020 18:41 UTC