All Blacks star Barrett ‘being patient’ over future

New Zealand fly-half Beauden Barrett refused to be drawn on his future when quizzed on Friday, but hopes to make an announcement in the near future.

The Hurricanes captain has been linked with a move overseas after the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Barrett gave nothing away when asked about a potential move later this year, saying his only interest was preparing for a Super Rugby clash with the Rebels on Saturday.

“I’ll talk about that [his future] in due course, I’ll just focus on the game tomorrow at the moment,” said the two-time World Rugby Player of the Year.

Sam Whitelock recently signed a four-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby, which includes a spell playing for Japanese club Panasonic.

Barrett was reluctant to address suggestions he may follow suit.

The 27-year-old added: “Look, my team is working on it and I’m being patient, I’ll be ready to hopefully announce something soon if all things fall into place.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of his [Whitelock] contract, I don’t want to comment.”

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