New Zealand captain Scott Barrett will sit out most of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season after exercising a clause in his contract to take a non-playing sabbatical following the All Blacks' season-ending tour.

Canterbury Crusaders coach Rob Penney said Barrett's return would likely mirror the schedule followed by teammate and fellow All Black Codie Taylor, who took a six-month sabbatical after the 2023 World Cup and came back for the last four games of Super Rugby.

"He's an iconic player, a legend. He can do what he likes," Penney told New Zealand media.

"He'll recharge the batteries. He loves this place and I suspect he'll be floating around and adding value behind the scenes.

Subscribe to CNA's Recommended Read A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn't miss. Just one

See Full Page