All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett is set to bypass the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, leveraging a sabbatical option in his contract with New Zealand Rugby. Crusaders head coach Rob Penney, who recently confirmed his contract extension with the Christchurch squad, is bracing for Barrett's absence. Despite a rocky start under Penney's leadership, failing to reach the playoffs initially, the Crusaders rebounded spectacularly to snatch their 13th Super Rugby title in 2025.
Penney, opting for a short-term renewal, is committed to driving the team forward but acknowledges the upcoming season will be without his star captain. "
"I’m pretty certain he’ll do something. He’s earned the right to (rest) and he needs to. That big body of his has been knocked around both for the Crusaders and for the All Blacks for a long time now. So as Codie (All Blacks and Crusaders hooker Codie Taylor) did eighteen months ago, I suspect he’ll have a good break and he’s deserves it."
It’ll be up to other people in the group to step up and when Scott’s ready we’ll welcome him back with open arms," stated Penney.The trend of All Blacks taking sabbaticals continues to rise, with several players choosing overseas stints. Scott’s brother Jordie Barrett returns from Leinster, while Rieko Ioane is poised to join the Irish club. Anton Lienert-Brown and Ardie Savea are also set to miss the next Super Rugby season, opting to play for Japan's Kobelco Kobe Steelers instead.
On renewing his contract, Penney expressed his enthusiasm: "I’m really excited and humbled to be given the opportunity to work with this great organization and team again. This group is on the cusp of doing something pretty special again and I’m rapt to be a part of it." Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge highlighted Penney's deep connection with the team, noting, "Rob uses the term love a lot – he loves this place, loves the environment and loves the players – he comes from this real place of deep care, and I think that’s felt by all of the players. The players talked about how much he cared for them and how he genuinely tried to do the best that he could for them."
As the Crusaders gear up for another challenging season, the leadership and strategic pauses like Barrett's sabbatical will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge and player welfare.