Barrett sticks with the Hurricanes

Editor

All Black fly-half Beauden Barrett has resisted the temptation to join his brother at the Blues, instead recommitting to the Hurricanes.

All Black fly-half Beauden Barrett has resisted the temptation to join his brother at the Blues, instead recommitting to the Hurricanes.

The Blues were hopeful of luring the talented number ten to Auckland, were his elder brother Kane already plies his trade.

However, Barrett confirmed on Thursday that he would be staying in Wellington.

“Pleased to say I have recommitted to @Hurricanesrugby for next season. I feel we have unfinished business. Thanks for your support,” he tweeted.

While delighted to have tied down the 22-year-old, who was the third-highest points scorer in Super Rugby this year, Hurricanes CEO James Te Puni admits that the franchise would have liked to see him commit to a longer deal.

“We were keener on a two year commitment and prepared to look at longer but we also understand that players have their own objectives and we've got to respect that as well,” Te Puni is quoted as saying by Fairfax News.

“He's our number one 10 and he's an All Black 10 so that would have been a big hole to fill so we're just pleased that he's recommitted to the Canes,” he added.

Coach Mark Hammett conceded that there have been nervous moments over the last few weeks as the Hurricanes attempted to convince the playmaker to remain where he is, with the fly-half a key cog in their plans.

“It is because we like everything that Beauden stands for and it's a lot wider than his rugby skills,” commented Hammett.

The Blues are likely to now look to league convert Benji Marshall to take the reins as their pivot, with the 28-year-old said to have already verbally agreed to join the team.