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Former All Black captain Scott Barrett will play for Taranaki this weekend marks his first game of professional rugby in 10 months.
The 32-year-old will make only his second appearance in history Bulls when they play Hawke’s Bay in Napier.
Barrett had surgery just a few months ago, a discectomy to treat a bulging disc that was causing problems on the left side of his body.
“(The injury) took my left side off so I couldn’t really run and do the things required for my job as a rugby player, so yeah, it’s nice to be in a position to pull on the jersey and represent Taranaki again,” he told 1 News.
After the 2025 season ends in November with All black people against Wales, Barrett went on a six-month contractual layoff before requiring surgery, delaying his return.
As a result, the former captain has yet to play under new coach Dave Rennie, missing July Nations Championship fixtures and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.
Barrett said the departure of Scott Robertson had a negative impact on him, reflecting on his time as captain. He said he had put that chapter behind him and would give it his all if he was called again.
“It’s been a challenging 10 months, probably a challenging year to be honest, for me personally,” he said.
“You have a close relationship with the head coach and when there is, the team is not doing so well and there is a change like that, you probably think a little bit personally because your role at the time is captain.”
“There were a few conversations with Dave and I think in the end he made the decision and it was a different direction with Ardie.
“I had time to think and probably learn from it and eventually put it behind me.
“If there is an opportunity to put on the black jersey again, I will definitely give everything I have for that team if the opportunity arises.”
The All Blacks begin their Bledisloe Cup campaign on October 10 at Eden Park, followed by the return Test in Sydney next week.
If Barrett goes through with his NPC comeback, chances are he will join the team after a slew of injuries to South Africa tour, including new captain Ardie Save.
