All Blacks stars Beauden Barrett and Aaron Smith have confirmed that they will be departing New Zealand, and joining the Japan One division in 2024. The two international centurions have agreed to join Toyota Verblitz, in the Aichi region of Japan from the beginning of next year.
Barrett and Smith have Super Rugby commitments for this season, and will be playing for their respective Blues and Highlanders sides. The upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season begins on the 24th of February, and runs through until early June. Barrett and Smith will both also be eligible for All Blacks selection throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
This is Beauden Barrett’s 2nd tour of Japan, having previously enjoyed a 2021 season sabbatical at Suntory Sungoliath. The Tokyo based side won seven out of seven matches to finish top of the Red Conference, and reached the play-off final, before an eventual 31-26 defeat to the Panasonic Wild Knights.
“I’m looking forward to taking up this opportunity with Toyota alongside a good friend and long-term teammate in Aaron,” Barrett told the New Zealand Herald.
“My agent Warren Alcock is in communication and negotiation with New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Toyota about my future beyond the Japan One 2024 season. I want to give myself time to ensure I make the right decision and once I gain clarity on that I will be able to give an update on what my future looks like beyond 2024.”
This will be Aaron Smith’s first time in Japan, as the All Blacks scrum half has never ventured away from his beloved Manawatu in Highlanders in Super Rugby. With 176 caps for the Otago side, Smith is the most capped player for the Highlanders, and was a pivotal member of the 2015 Super Rugby winning side.
“From the time I signed my first professional contract in 2008 I’ve been living my dream. I have been blessed to represent my home with the Manawatū Turbos, who helped me chase my dream of being a Super Rugby player,”
““I have to say a big thanks to the Highlanders for believing in me. I have done it all with that team and they have always been there for me. Thank you to every Highlanders player, staff member and fan. You have given me everything and more in the 13 years we have had together.”