All Blacks: Scott Barrett set for return to action with Taranaki after 10 months out

Scott Barrett will return to rugby after a 10-month break when he starts for Taranaki against Hawke’s Bay in the National Provincial Championship on Sunday.

It will be the 32-year-old’s first game for the Bulls since 2021 and his first senior game in 2026 after he took a non-playing sabbatical following the All Blacks’ victory over Ireland in November 2025.

He was expected to return for the Crusaders earlier this year but was ruled out with a back injury that required surgery in May.

That meant he missed the All Blacks’ Nations Championships fixtures in July and their South Africa tour.

“I’m really excited about the opportunity to play against Hawke’s Bay this Sunday,” Barrett said.