All Blacks captain Barrett to take non-playing sabbatical
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New Zealand captain Scott Barrett will sit out most of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after exercising a clause in his contract to take a non-playing sabbatical following the All Blacks' season-ending tour.
Canterbury Crusaders coach Rob Penney said Barrett's return would likely mirror the schedule followed by teammate and fellow All Black Codie Taylor, who took a six-month sabbatical after the 2023 World Cup and came back for the last four games of Super Rugby.
"He's an iconic player, a legend. He can do what he likes," Penney told New Zealand media.
"He'll recharge the batteries. He loves this place and I suspect he'll be floating around and adding value behind the scenes.
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"When he's right to put his body back in action and anger, he'll be ready to go and he'll be in."
The loss of Barrett's experience and leadership will be a blow for the Crusaders as they look to defend their title in 2026.
Barrett is currently sidelined after sustaining a laceration on his leg during the All Blacks' 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago.
He and his injured midfielder brother Jordie Barrett were both ruled out of the next test against Scotland on Saturday.
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