Auckland Blues bid to rush back Beauden Barrett fails

English Woman's Journal - Auckland Blues bid to rush back Beauden Barrett fails

SPORTS 27.05.2024

Auckland Blues bid to rush back Beauden Barrett fails / Photo: FRANCK FIFE - AFP/File

The Auckland Blues have failed in their bid to rush back Beauden Barrett for the Super Rugby play-offs after the All Blacks playmaker was ruled ineligible for next month's knockout phase.

Change text size:

The 123-Test veteran is back training with the Blues after his sabbatical in Japan with Toyota Verblitz ended earlier this month, but has been ruled out of any playoff action by governing body Sanzaar.

"Beauden Barrett was not able to meet the stipulated requirements for dispensation and as such he has been ruled ineligible for Super Rugby Finals," said tournament director Matt Barlow in a statement.

The Blues had hoped Barrett could provide cover for injured full-back Zarn Sullivan, who has a torn knee ligament.

AFP understands that Barrett, who would still have been eligible to play in this weekend’s final round of regular season games, will not now be selected by the Blues to face Waikato Chiefs on Saturday.

Barrett is back in New Zealand to prepare for the international season, which starts in July when the All Blacks host two Tests against England.

D.W.Robertson--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.