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All Blacks keeping close tabs on Scott Barrett following return from injury
Sport Nation • September 28th, 2026 5:38 pm
Taranaki's Scott Barrett running out onto McLean Park | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
The All Blacks are monitoring Scott Barrett’s recovery from back injury, but the 89-Test lock says he needs more NPC game time before he’ll be ready for Test rugby.
Barrett, who last captained the All Blacks in November before undergoing back surgery in May, made his return to play for the Taranaki Bulls on Sunday as he works to regain match fitness.
He said he has been in contact with the All Blacks medical team and coaches in recent months.
“I've been in touch with the All Blacks medical team and also Dave Rennie, just around progress from my part really over the past couple of months,” he told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy.
“Talked to Neil Barnes, he came down to training and watched there and he was at the last home game against Southland and had a couple of conversations with him.
“I think they've got a keen eye to see how I'm tracking and that sort of thing, so communication's been good.”
Neil Barnes (middle) with All Blacks coach Dave Rennie and selector Sir Graham Henry | Photo: Photosport
Although Barrett is back on the field, there is a large step between provincial and international rugby, especially in a demanding series like next month's Bledisloe Cup.
“I'm available for selection this week with Taranaki, so I'll get some more match fitness there.
“I guess just wait and see what happens (with the) next steps, certainly feel I need to get a few more minutes under the belt because there's nothing quite like match fitness for being ready to play Test rugby.”
Barrett said he had spent time in the South Island working with the Crusaders before moving back to Taranaki for the NPC.
“Been working away down south with Stuart Yule and John Roche at the Crusaders and moved back up to Taranaki about a month ago and transitioned back into rugby, so it all went pretty smoothly and now it's just about getting some match fitness under the belt.”
Scott Barrett leads the All Blacks out of the tunnel | Photo: Masanori Udagawa/Photosport
The time away has left him eager to return, particularly to training and playing with teammates.
“Certainly missed the camaraderie and I guess the enjoyment of working hard during the week and going out there and playing with a group of guys who work hard together and try to put a performance together.
“I was a fan probably last couple of months watching the Greatest Rivalry tour and I guess rode the rollercoaster with the rest of the NZ public.”
Listen to the full interview below:
