All Blacks superstar Beauden Barrett has agreed to join Japanese team Suntory Sungoliath in 2021, according to the Mail Online.
The 29-year-old, who holds the world record for consecutive wins since his first test (19 wins from 19 tests) has agreed a two-year deal worth £780,000 per season,
EXCLUSIVE: New Zealand superstar Beauden Barrett agrees huge deal to join Japanese team Suntory Sungolith | @Nik_Simon88 https://t.co/8I3Hk2KCDw
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) July 2, 2020
His big-money move will mean he will not represent the All Blacks for at least two years.
The 83-cap fly-half, who can also operate at fullback, will join his new side after the Autumn Internationals
Barrett has been in electrifying form for the All Blacks in recent seasons, winning back-to-back World Rugby Player of the Year Awards in 2016 and 2017.
The playmaker is now fourth on the All Blacks all-time Test points-scoring list.
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Barrett made his provincial debut for Taranaki in 2010 at 19 years old and appeared for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby the following season. He quickly established himself as one of the Hurricanes’ key players and has set numerous records for the side, and also helped lead the team to its first Super Rugby title in 2016. Last year Barrett played his 100th Super Rugby game for the Wellington-based side.
He made his All Blacks Test debut in 2012 and was used initially as an impact player off the bench. By 2014 he had made his first Test start and went on to feature in six RWC 2015 matches, scoring 26 points, including a fantastic try in the Final.
His career in black include a stint with the All Blacks Sevens as a teenager in 2010, and the 2011 New Zealand Under 20 side.
MARKED | How BBC rated England’s players in 2003 World Cup final
Josh Lewsey: Again proved his worth in the number 15 jersey. Made some dynamic runs and kept the pressure on the Aussie midfield. 7
Jason Robinson: Always looked dangerous with the ball. Had little chance stopping Australia’s try, but did his job at the other end touching down. 8
Will Greenwood: Handled the ball well with some creative touches and put in some big tackles but ultimately failed to shine. 6
Mike Tindall: More direct than creative, but did the job he was asked to do. Produced a vital clearance in the second half before making way for Mike Catt. 7
Ben Cohen: Worked tirelessly off the ball and did little wrong. Was given little opportunity to show his class with the ball. 6