Beauden Barrett, the star fly-half for the Blues, is set to be sidelined for a significant portion of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season after suffering a fractured right hand. This injury occurred during the Blues’ unexpected 21-20 loss to the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday night.
The 33-year-old Barrett, who had been a key player for the Blues, showcased his talent by scoring a stunning individual try in the first half. However, he was substituted by Harry Plummer at half-time, leaving the Blues unable to maintain their 20-10 lead, as they failed to score again in the second half. Following the match, Barrett was seen sitting on the bench with an ice pack on his injured hand.
Though the Blues are still assessing the injury and have not specified a return date, it is clear that Barrett will be unavailable for several weeks, which could impact the team’s performance moving forward. The Blues have had a rocky start to the season, managing only one win out of four matches, and this latest setback compounds their challenges.
Historically, the Blues demonstrated resilience when they secured the Super Rugby Pacific title last year while Barrett was competing in Japan. Conversely, his return has been a significant boost for the squad, which is now under the guidance of coach Vern Cotter.
While Barrett heals, the Blues have options to fill his position, with Plummer capable of stepping in at fly-half. Additionally, Stephen Perofeta, who can play both fly-half and fullback, is expected to be fit for their next match against the Chiefs, bringing further depth to the squad.
In concluding remarks, Barrett’s recovery will be closely monitored by the Blues as they navigate the remainder of the season. The team remains hopeful that he may return before the play-offs in June, although no timeline has been established.