Beauden Barrett will return to provincial rugby this weekend after being released from the All Blacks squad ahead of the Bledisloe Cup series against Australia.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
The veteran is one of 14 All Blacks made available to their provinces for Round 10 of the Hilux National Provincial Championship, with Barrett set to make his first appearance for Taranaki since 2020.
Barrett will line up for Taranaki against Wellington at Stadium Taranaki on Sunday.
He will play alongside fellow All Blacks Josh Jacomb and Bradley Slater.
The announcement comes after a mixed campaign for Barrett during the All Blacks’ Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The 35-year-old started at fly-half against the DHL Stormers before moving to fullback for the meeting with the Vodacom Bulls, demonstrating his versatility as Dave Rennie rotated his options across the backline.
Despite this, Barrett attracted criticism for his first outing at No.10
However, he responded with a much-improved display against the Bulls. He impressed with his kicking and attacking involvement in the 50-19 victory.
However, Barrett was unable to unseat Ruben Love for the Test match 10 spot, and fell down the pecking order behind a returning Richie Mo'unga.
He remained part of Rennie’s plans as the series progressed, mostly from the bench. Barrett scored a late consolation try in the final minute of the fourth Test against South Africa.
All Blacks returning to provincial rugby
Barrett is not the only All Black heading back to his province this week, with 14 players available across seven NPC fixtures.
Thursday, October 1
Otago v Auckland — Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
- Otago: Saula Ma’u
Friday, October 2
Southland v Northland — Invercargill Rugby Park
- Southland: Semisi Ta’eiloa
- Northland: Simon Parker
Saturday, October 3
Manawatū v Canterbury — Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
- Canterbury: George Bell, Sam Darry
Waikato v Tasman — FMG Stadium Waikato
- Waikato: Cortez Ratima
- Tasman: Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Sunday, October 4
Taranaki v Wellington — Stadium Taranaki
- Taranaki: Beauden Barrett, Josh Jacomb, Bradley Slater
- Wellington: Siale Lauaki
Bay of Plenty v North Harbour — Tauranga Domain
- Bay of Plenty: Emoni Narawa, Fehi Fineanganofo
