Scott Barrett’s troublesome back continues to cast doubt on his Super Rugby comeback.
The All Black captain remains sidelined ahead of the Crusaders’ penultimate regular season match - against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Friday - and faces a race against time to clock Super Rugby minutes before the test season.
“Hard to know,” Crusaders coach Rob Penney said when asked if he thought the second rower would play this season.
“Scott is just having a continuation of his frustration round his back. Getting seen to by all the important people, but at this stage, not available.”
Barrett’s back complaint has derailed his plan to return from his non-playing sabbatical at the back end of the regular season, much like hooker Codie Taylor in 2024.
