Japan move still possible – Barnes

Editor

Waratahs playmaker Berrick Barnes still wants to move to Japan but has not received a formal offer from the Panasonic Wild Knights.

Waratahs playmaker Berrick Barnes has confirmed that a move to Japan still appeals to him, although he is yet to receive a formal offer from the Panasonic Wild Knights.

The 26-year-old said he still has ambitions of representing the Wallabies at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England but wanted to experience playing overseas.

“If Japan works out I'm excited about it,” he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I think it's a great opportunity for both me and my family so if that works out I'm looking forward to it.

“But in saying that I've got six months here [with the Waratahs] which could potentially be a really great six months and that's what we're trying to make it.”

Barnes acknowledged that administrative hurdles is preventing him from making the move.

His contract with the ARU is until the end of 2014 and if he wanted to head to Japan, at the end of this year's Super Rugby season, it would require an early release for him from that deal.

Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said last week he would try his utmost to keep Barnes at the Sydney-based franchise but the 50-Test Wallaby was philosophical when questioned about his future.

“I could bust myself this year and be carrying drinks for the rest of my career, you never know, it's all those sorts of things that happen,'' he added.

“Two years ago I was thinking about giving it away so you don't know where you're going to end up.”