Berrick Barnes: Wants to play overseas
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Waratahs playmaker Berrick Barnes has confirmed that a move to Japan still appeals to him, although he is yet to receive a formal offer from the Panasonic Wild Knights.
The 26-year-old said he still has ambitions of representing the Wallabies at the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England but wanted to experience playing overseas.
"If Japan works out I'm excited about it," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I think it's a great opportunity for both me and my family so if that works out I'm looking forward to it.
"But in saying that I've got six months here [with the Waratahs] which could potentially be a really great six months and that's what we're trying to make it."
Barnes acknowledged that administrative hurdles is preventing him from making the move.
His contract with the ARU is until the end of 2014 and if he wanted to head to Japan, at the end of this year's Super Rugby season, it would require an early release for him from that deal.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika said last week he would try his utmost to keep Barnes at the Sydney-based franchise but the 50-Test Wallaby was philosophical when questioned about his future.
"I could bust myself this year and be carrying drinks for the rest of my career, you never know, it's all those sorts of things that happen,'' he added.
"Two years ago I was thinking about giving it away so you don't know where you're going to end up."
Comments
melkdave says...
Pretty clear his looking for a one season pay day in Japan,and to be totally honest.I Dont think thats in the best interests of Japanese rugby.Surly it would be better forthem to give an actual young Japanese player ,a shot and game time as they also build towards the 2015 RWC,and towards when they host it in 2019.They should be really looking to increase the number of Japanses players in the coming years,so they actually challange come 2019.Just my opinion though,but its what id like to see .Barnes best bet is in 2016 imo,when they will look for mentor players to bring on their best for 2019
Posted 16:41 05th February 2013
Theshaw says...
What about coming to leinster? I heard he was a possible replacement two years ago when sexton was goin to leave. I heard morne Stain is now a possibility for leinstwr, I'd rather o'gara then Morne
Posted 16:26 05th February 2013