The injury-hit Blues have revealed they are seeking clarification on Super Rugby Pacific rules after star playmaker Beauden Barrett returned from holiday in Japan.
With full-back Zaren Sullivan suffering from what is likely to be a season-ending knee injury and first-rounder Steven Perofeta missing from the squad since the Round 6 win over Moana Pacifica, the Blues need extra cover in the two positions in which Barrett specializes. in.
The team announced that Barrett is now back in town and training with the team regardless of his chances of getting on the field. We are now just three weeks away from the playoffs, and the Blues currently have the best record in the competition.
The club said in a statement on Tuesday: “Bodin has returned from Japan and, given that he has signed a contract with the Blues in 2025 and lives in Auckland, he has returned to training with the team.”
“The Blues are seeking clarification on the application process for Barrett's inclusion [club] For the remainder of this season.”
But just a week ago, New Zealand's head of professional rugby, Chris Lindrum, appeared Newstalk ZB Rugby live broadcast He explained this issue exactly.
“You're unlikely to see any of them in Super Rugby,” Lendrum said. “The rules of the competition are that anyone playing abroad as of April 1 in a major competition year cannot play in the finals.
“The most you could see is someone coming back as an emergency substitute for a few games to fill the gap.
“Until then, they need to be exempt from competition. Obviously it's not impossible, but it's not that likely.”
Barrett is not the only All Black player to return to All Black training with his side in Super Rugby, with Sam Cane also returning to Chiefs this week.
Ardie Savea was also back in Wellington and shared a clip of himself and his Hurricanes teammates enjoying some cava on Monday.
