Barrett reconsiders Toulon move
NEWS: Toulon’s boss Mourad Boudjellal’s savaging of star import Julian Savea could cost him the acquisition of future marquee players – including All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett.
The 27-year-old flyhalf revealed Boudjellal’s harsh criticism of Savea would make him think twice about signing for the French giants, according to AAP.
Boudjellal has come under fire after lambasting Savea for a string of underwhelming performances and taking time off to attend his brother Ardie’s wedding in Fiji, saying that the former 54-test All Blacks wing was no longer welcome at the club, despite still having more than a year left on his two-season contract.
Additionally, Toulon fans have been viciously trolling Savea and his family as a result of his subpar performances, which has seen him score just once from 10 outings, where he has predominantly been played in the unfamiliar position of inside centre.
Savea responded on social media, saying he would honour his contract for as long as he was still signed with the club, prompting a wave of support from friends, family, players and fans from around the world.
Putting all the negativity behind me and heading into this week with a positive attitude🤘🏾whether I am welcomed or not I am still contracted to my team and I will continue to train week in and week out with my brothers #endofstory #letsmoveon pic.twitter.com/y7QBqLOyVV
— Julian Savea (@juliansavea7) February 17, 2019
That didn’t stop Boudjellal from doubling down on his original comments, though, with the French millionaire telling Le Parisien that the remainder of Savea’s contract will be “very long for him”.
Barrett, who is widely tipped to leave New Zealand following this year’s World Cup after fielding offers from clubs around the globe, wasn’t impressed with Boudjellal’s comments, saying he would have to re-think his options if Toulon were to come calling for his services.
“It certainly doesn’t help,” the 73-test, two-time World Rugby Player of the Year told reporters.
“Firstly, you’ve got to be comfortable. It’s a big move to move offshore and you have to be happy with a number of things.
“Your family have to be happy, you have to be happy with the coaching setup and team culture, so there are a number of different things.
“It’s totally different over there from what we see externally. It must be a different dynamic, it’s not the same as here.”
Barrett has just returned to training following his honeymoon and is expected to feature in some capacity for the Hurricanes against the Crusaders in Christchurch this weekend.
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