Scott Barrett to Take 2026 Super Rugby Sabbatical

New Zealand All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has confirmed he will take a non-playing sabbatical for part of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, following the team's ongoing northern hemisphere tour that concludes later this month. The 31-year-old lock, who leads the Crusaders in domestic competition, exercised a clause in his contract to step away after the All Blacks' autumn internationals, allowing him time to recharge after years of intense play.

The Crusaders announced Barrett's decision alongside their 2026 squad on Thursday, noting that exact return dates remain flexible. Officials compared the break to that of teammate Codie Taylor, who missed the first 11 rounds of the 2024 season after the 2023 Rugby World Cup and rejoined for the final four games. Barrett, who could potentially return mid-season, retains the option to adjust his timeline as needed.

Barrett's absence comes at a challenging time for both club and country. He sustained a leg laceration just two minutes into New Zealand's 26-13 victory over Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago last weekend, requiring 12 stitches and ruling him out of Saturday's match against Scotland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. His...