All Blacks and Chiefs lock Brodie Retallick has signed a new three-year deal with New Zealand Rugby however, he will take a two-year sabbatical within the deal.
The 2014 World Player of the Year has committed to New Zealand until 2023, but he will play in the Japanese Top League in 2020 and 2021 before returning to New Zealand.
The move allows the 28-year-old to spend more time with his family during the extended breaks of the Japanese league and will mean that he can stake his claim for a place in the All Blacks squad for the 2023 World Cup.
Speaking ahead of his move Retallick is excited by the prospect of playing in Japan and admits that one of the main reasons behind his decision is to lessen his workload.
“It has been a big decision to make, but I’m grateful to be able to have the opportunity to head over to Japan and experience not just the rugby but for my family and to be immersed in another culture. I’ve been playing high-octane rugby with the Chiefs and All Blacks since 2012, and while I’ve loved every minute of it and my workload has been managed well, I’ve decided to give my body a break from the New Zealand game, so that ultimately I can extend my career here,” he said.
The lock is also upbeat about his return in 2021, while he has also re-signed with Hawke’s Bay Rugby in his new deal.
“I’m lucky enough to work with a great group of people in both the Chiefs and All Blacks – they’re two teams I love to play for – so I look forward to returning in 2021. Even though I haven’t played for the ‘Mighty Magpies’ for a few years, I do want to acknowledge my connections to Hawke’s Bay and thank them as well for their support,” he added.
Retallick is one of several players that will leave New Zealand’s shores following the World Cup and his deal is similar to that of Sam Whitelock.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Tew is happy to let one of the country’s star performers take a brief break from the game and is looking forward to his return.
“As all rugby fans know, Brodie is a key player for the All Blacks and Chiefs, one of the leading players in world rugby and an absolute workhorse of a player. He puts his body on the line each and every time he plays and has still performed to the very highest standard. Brodie’s now into his eighth full season of professional rugby, so taking some time out from the New Zealand game will give him time to freshen up physically and mentally and spend more time with his family. We look forward to him returning to the New Zealand fold in 2021, refreshed and raring to go,” he said.
Retallick has been capped 75 times by his country and will be looking to add another World Cup to the one he won with the All Blacks in 2015 when his side head to Japan later this year.
He is set to return to the Chiefs starting line-up for their crunch clash with the Melbourne Rebels this weekend as they hope to secure a play-off spot, having last played for the franchise in round 8 of this season’s Super Rugby.
