All Blacks utility Jordie Barrett has confirmed he'll stay with the Hurricanes next season.
Newhsub can reveal Barrett, who has found a home at fullback for the Wellington franchise, has re-signed with the side until the end of 2021.
Barrett had a clause in his NZ Rugby contract allowing him to play elsewhere for the final year of his current contract, possibly joining brothers Beauden at the Blues or Scott at the Crusaders.
But the 23-year-old has showed his loyalty to the yellow jersey.
Newshub understands the Blues made a play for the international, but he has held firm, re-committing to the side in the capital.
After sitting out injured for the first two games of Super Rugby Aotearoa, Barrett has returned to help the Hurricanes to four straight wins and put his side back in the championship mix.
Coach Jason Holland says Barrett, arguably the form No.15 of the competition, has been crucial to that success.
“Jordie has become an integral part of this Hurricanes squad," he says. "Off the field, he holds massive respect and has excellent input into how we play.
"On the field, he has taken his game to the top level and has thrived on the added responsibilities this season.”
Hurricanes general manager of rugby Ben Castle is overjoyed to retain Barrett.
“Players will have options in their contract, that’s the nature of the professional rugby world we are in," says Castle.
"The club has a huge amount of respect for Jordie as a person and a player, and we are delighted he’s chosen to stay in Wellington.”
Barrett will match up against another All Blacks fullback contender, Damian McKenzie, when the Hurricanes face the Chiefs at Wellington's Cake Tin on Saturday.
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Hurricanes v Chiefs Super Rugby Aotearoa clash
