All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett confirms ‘sabbatical break’ with Crusaders admitting ‘legend can do what he likes’
All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett and, inset, his Crusaders Rob Penney
All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett will miss most of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after the Crusaders confirmed he had exercised a clause in his contract to take a non-playing sabbatical after this November’s season-ending tour with New Zealand.
The soon-to-be 32-year-old lock is currently with the All Blacks in Edinburgh but won’t be taking part in this Saturday’s Autumn Nations Series match against Scotland.
Barrett was a casualty in last Saturday’s 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago after picking up a leg injury, and Crusaders boss Rob Penney has now revealed that they will begin the defence of their Super Rugby Pacific title without the services of the engine room forward.
A Crusaders statement read: “After a high rugby load over the last few years, Scott Barrett’s sabbatical break has also been confirmed for part of the 2026 season.
“Similar approach to Codie Taylor’s sabbatical…”
“Exact dates of his return to the environment aren’t confirmed yet, but it is a similar approach to Codie Taylor’s sabbatical in 2024, and Barrett has the flexibility to decide at a later point in the season.”
Coach Penney explained to New Zealand media: “He is an iconic player, a legend. He can do what he likes. He will recharge the batteries. He loves this place and I suspect he will be floating around and adding value behind the scenes. When he is right to put his body back in action and anger, he’ll be ready to go and he’ll be in.”
Sabbaticals are nothing new for the Barrett brothers. The 34-year-old Beauden took some time away from the New Zealand scene after Rugby World Cup 2023, mentally refreshing with a season playing in Japan before returning to Super Rugby and the All Blacks.
The 28-year-old Jordie Barrett also spent time outside New Zealand, experiencing overseas club rugby with Leinster following last November’s Autumn Nations Series tour with the All Blacks. Having since returned to the Test arena, he is set to miss the remainder of New Zealand’s current tour following his ankle and knee injuries sustained in the USA last weekend.
Scott Barrett’s sabbatical, though, will be different from his brothers as it is a complete, non-playing break from the sport with the aim of freshening him up for the long road ahead leading into the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
Barrett’s lay-off will be seen as a blow to the Crusaders’ title defence, given the player’s vast experience and leadership. He has still been listed in the squad of 38, though, named by head coach Penney for their 2026 campaign that skipper David Havili will lead.
The squad includes what the club described as “six exciting young prospects” who have earned their first full Super Rugby contracts after coming through the Crusaders academy – Toby Bell, Louie Chapman, Maloni Kunawave, Liam Jack, Manumaua Letiu and James White.
“We’ve got a group of men here who understand what it means to be a Crusader,” reckoned Penney. “They are hungry and ready to work. There’s a great balance of experience and youth, and we’re excited about what this group can achieve together.”
