Beauden Barrett hesistant on Toulon move following Savea savaging
Mourad Boudjellal's savaging of star import Julian Savea could cost him the acquisition of future marquee players, including All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett.
The 27-year-old first-five revealed Boudjellal's harsh criticism of Savea would make him think twice about signing for the French giants, according to AAP.
Boudjellal has come under fire after lambasting Savea for a string of underwhelming performances and taking time off to attend his brother Ardie's wedding in Fiji, saying that the former 54-test All Blacks wing was no longer welcome at the club, despite still having more than a year left on his two-season contract.
Additionally, Toulon fans have been viciously trolling Savea and his family as a result of his subpar performances, which has seen him score just once from 10 outings, where he has predominantly been played in the unfamiliar position of second-five.
Savea responded on social media, saying he would honour his contract for as long as he was still signed with the club, prompting a wave of support from friends, family, players and fans from around the world.
That didn't stop Boudjellal from doubling down on his original comments, though, with the French millionaire telling Le Parisien that the remainder of Savea's contract will be "very long for him".
Barrett, who is widely tipped to leave New Zealand following this year's World Cup after fielding offers from clubs around the globe, wasn't impressed with Boudjellal's comments, saying he would have to re-think his options if Toulon were to come calling for his services.
"It certainly doesn't help," the 73-test, two-time World Rugby Player of the Year told reporters.
"Firstly, you've got to be comfortable. It's a big move to move offshore and you have to be happy with a number of things.
"Your family have to be happy, you have to be happy with the coaching setup and team culture, so there are a number of different things.
"It's totally different over there from what we see externally. It must be a different dynamic, it's not the same as here."
Barrett has just returned to training following his honeymoon and is expected to feature in some capacity for the Hurricanes against the Crusaders in Christchurch this weekend.
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Thanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
Go to commentsif the clock could be turned back, Jones should still have been given the top job, to be assisted by Farrell, Borthwick, Catt, & Rowntree, and after 2019 he should have been replaced by Farrell.
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