How Beauden Barrett signing for the Blues could impact not just the Hurricanes, but the entire New Zealand conference
Speculation might be rife about Beauden Barrett making a potential shock move from the Hurricanes to the Blues, but the Wellington club aren't giving up on their star man just yet.
A New Zealand Herald report, released on Wednesday, stated that the Blues are chasing the signature of the two-time World Player of the Year in a monumental move that could have significant implications on future results for both franchises.
It isn't the first time the Auckland-based side have pursued the signature of the 28-year-old playmaker, as he turned down an offer to sign with the three-time champions in 2016, instead choosing to stay on with the Hurricanes, the side that he has been part of since 2011.
However, a Hurricanes spokesperson told Stuff that the club is still talking to Barrett, who is off contract with New Zealand Rugby [NZR] at the end of the year, and his representatives as he assesses his playing options beyond 2019.
"Given Beauden is off contract currently, there is always bound to be a great deal of speculation as to his future," the spokesperson said.
"He will always be in demand at a large number of clubs throughout the world.
"We can't progress anything past that point at the moment, but we will continue to talk to Beauden, who has been a long serving and stand out player for the Hurricanes."
Blues chief executive Michael Redman told Stuff in a statement that he won't publicly discuss the attempted acquisition of Barrett or any other player.
"Our policy remains unchanged that we never comment on speculation around player or staff recruitment," he said.
The Blues have been desperate for a world-class first-five since the departure of Carlos Spencer in 2005, and their inability to unearth a star playmaker has been a major factor in their title drought, which has lasted since 2003.
Since then, they have unsuccessfully tried to pursuade the likes of Barrett and ex-Crusaders and All Blacks legend Dan Carter to move north.
The signature of rugby league star Benji Marshall for the 2014 campaign brought with it a lot of fanfare, but the 27-test Kiwis pivot was a flop, playing in six matches and scoring just nine points before moving back to Sydney to play for the St George-Illawarra Dragons in the NRL.
In Otere Black, Stephen Perofeta and Harry Plummer, the Blues side already have three first-fives signed on for next year.
However, should the Blues sign Barrett, the 73-test All Black would be unlikely to play for them until the 2021 season, as it is believed he is expected to take a sabbatical in the Japanese Top League in 2020.
What's more is that the impact of that unlikely transfer could trigger another remarkable player movement between New Zealand clubs.
Barrett's All Blacks and Hurricanes teammate and younger brother, Jordie, is also off-contract with NZR at the end of this year, and is yet to announce his decision on his playing future.
Should Beauden opt to leave the Hurricanes and move to the Blues via the Top League, a shift may be on the cards for Jordie as well.
The presence of Beauden within the Hurricanes squad played a big part in his signing with the club ahead of the 2017 season, especially given he was offered a contract by the Crusaders while he was playing in the Mitre 10 Cup for Canterbury in 2016.
With older brother Scott still a prominent member of the back-to-back reigning Super Rugby champions, the departure of Beauden from the nation's capital could make a move back to Christchurch an appealing option for Jordie.
Jordie's versatility is a key aspect of his game - he can play fullback, wing, both midfield positions and can even cover at first-five - and with Ryan Crotty leaving for the Kubota Spears in Japan after this year's World Cup, and the anticipated exit of the long-serving Tim Bateman, up to two spots could open up in the Crusaders' midfield for next year's squad.
The opportunity to link up with All Blacks teammate Jack Goodhue to form a formidable 12-13 partnership could be a tantalising prospect for the 22-year-old, not to mention the chance to play Super Rugby alongside another one of his four brothers.
A backline re-shuffle could also see David Havili, Braydon Ennor or Ngane Punivai move into the centres, freeing up room for Jordie to play in his preferred position of fullback alongside a raft of extremely talented outside backs within the Crusaders' ranks, which includes George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Manasa Mataele.
However, one would expect the Hurricanes to do everything in their power to prevent one, let alone two, of the Barrett brothers from leaving their squad.
Regardless of whether Beauden decides to stay or leave the Hurricanes, the ramifications of his decision could prove to be massive.
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I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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