Beauden Barrett at a recent Blues training session. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
In a surprise appearance, All Black Beauden Barrett has played his first game for his Taranaki rugby club in 14 years.
Barrett came on for Coastal in the second half of their Taranaki premier club competition match against Ōkato on Saturday, playing a key hand in their 52-12 win.
He had last donned the green and white colours of Coastal in 2010.
It was 33-year-old Barrett's first game in New Zealand since his return after playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan's premier club competition.
The Blues had hoped he would be able to play in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs but he was ruled ineligible because of his stint in Japan.
"It's great to be back," Barrett told Sports News Taranaki after the match.
"I don't get the chance to play for Coastal a lot but it's great to see club rugby is still strong in Taranaki."
Barrett was guest speaker at Francis Douglas Memorial College's new gym fundraiser in New Plymouth on Friday night.
While he was not listed in Coastal's 22 for the match, local rumours about him playing ensured there was a big crowd at the match at Ōkato Domain on Saturday, the website said.
Barrett is expected to be in the mix for All Blacks selection for the two-test series against England in July. Scott Robertson will name his first New Zealand squad for the series on 24 June.