Barrett brothers face All Blacks selection uncertainty ahead of Bledisloe Cup
Monday 28 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story All Blacks, Beauden Barrett
Beauden Barrett will play for Taranaki in the final NPC round, marking his first appearance for the province since 2020. His return comes as 14 All Blacks players become available for provincial rugby, while the 34-man squad for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series is due to be named on Tuesday.
Key facts
4 facts
- 14 All Blacks are available for NPC round 10
- Beauden Barrett returns to Taranaki for the first time since 2020
- The All Blacks will name a 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup on Tuesday
- Taranaki plays Wellington on Sunday, 4 October at Stadium Taranaki
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Fourteen players from the All Blacks' Greatest Rivalry tour are available to their provincial unions for the tenth round of the NPC this week. These players include Beauden Barrett, who will play for Taranaki on Sunday for the first time since 2020.
The Taranaki side will feature Barrett alongside Josh Jacomb and Bradley Slater as they face Wellington at Stadium Taranaki. Taranaki requires at least a draw in this match to secure a spot in next weekend's quarterfinals.
Other players returning to their provinces include Saula Ma’u for Otago on Thursday, Semisi Ta’eiloa for Southland, and Simon Parker for Northland on Friday. On Saturday, George Bell and Sam Darry will play for Canterbury, while Cortez Ratima joins Waikato and Noah Hotham and Timoci Tavatavanawai represent Tasman.
The round concludes on Sunday with Siale Lauaki playing for Wellington and Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo appearing for Bay of Plenty. This provincial availability comes ahead of the All Blacks naming a 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies.
Where reports differ
- One report suggests Barrett's NPC appearance may hint at uncertainty regarding his All Blacks selection, while another notes it could be for game time
Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.
How they headlined it
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