Canes win Barrett tug-of-war

All Black flyhalf Beauden Barrett has resolved a tug-of-war between two New Zealand Super Rugby teams by re-signing for two years with the Wellington-based Hurricanes.

The Auckland-based Blues also sought to sign the 23-year-old Barrett, who has played 52 times for the Hurricanes and scoring a franchise-record 209 points this season.

Barrett came close to leaving the Hurricanes for the Blues last season, but said Thursday he was eager to stay in Wellington and play next season under new head coach Chris Boyd.

Boyd coached Barrett in the New Zealand Under-20 team.

Barrett said while the Hurricanes' form had been "up and down" this season he feels as a team they have "improved in what has been a really tight competition".

"Having him in the No.10 jersey for us really strengthens the Hurricanes team, on and off the field," Hurricanes Chief Executive James Te Puni said.

"Beaudy is a young man with incredible talent, and it's great to know he's chosen to be with us for the next two years."

Blues coach John Kirwan has made no secret of his admiration for Barrett and was widely reported to be seeking his signature after the attempt to turn Rugby League star Benji Marshall into a Rugby Union flyhalf ended in failure.

But Barrett said he felt he still had "unfinished business" with the Hurricanes.

"We have a relatively young team here and I really enjoy the role I play within the squad – it's been great for my overall rugby development," he said.

"While some of our results this year have been a bit up and down, I feel as a team we have improved in what has been a really tight competition."

Barrett has played 19 times for New Zealand and never lost a single Test in the All Blacks jersey.

Barrett joined the Hurricanes in 2011 and has since played 52 matches for the franchise, scoring 594 career points – 209 of those in 2014.

"I'm really happy that I've committed to the Hurricanes, and look forward to being part of an exciting team for next season."

Hurricanes High Performance Manager Chris Stirling said there was an exciting future ahead for the Hurricanes, and Barrett was a huge part of that ambition moving forward.

"It's exciting for us to know that we are creating and establishing an environment the players want to continue to be a part of. It's reassurance that we're on the right track, and the hard work we are putting in to this area is paying off."