All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown will miss the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign after deciding to take a sabbatical in Japan.
The talented centre has followed the path of many of his Test team-mates by moving to Asia on a short-term deal before returning to New Zealand.
It is part of the agreement between Lienert-Brown and New Zealand Rugby with the 30-year-old extending his contract with the governing body.
Staying beyond the 2027 World Cup
He has now signed beyond the 2027 Rugby World Cup with his deal ending at the conclusion of the 2028 season.
“I’m excited to recommit to New Zealand Rugby through to 2028. This year’s been frustrating with injuries outside of my control but pulling on the black jersey again last Saturday reminded me just how special this journey really is,” Lienert-Brown said.
“Representing Waikato, the Chiefs and my country is something I never take for granted. My decision to stay reflects my commitment, not just to the teams I play for, but to giving everything I’ve got to the work that lies ahead.”
The new contract will keep the centre eligible for the All Blacks for the next three years, while he will return to the Chiefs for the 2027 Super Rugby season.
Lienert-Brown has agreed to join Ardie Savea at Kobelco Kobe Steelers next year with the world-class back-rower also taking a sabbatical in 2026.
Both will then return to New Zealand ahead of the July series as they look to lay down a marker just a year out from the World Cup in Australia.
“His experience, composure and clarity in the midfield are hugely valuable. He’s overcome injury setbacks in recent years and has shown real resilience,” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said.
“We’re thrilled to have him locked in through to 2028, and the experience he’ll gain in Japan will only enhance his game and leadership.”
One club man
Lienert-Brown has previously resisted the lure of lucrative overseas deals to remain at the Chiefs after making his debut for the franchise in 2014.
The talented back earned his first All Blacks call-up two years later and since then has become a key player in the squad, either as a starter or off the bench.
He has earned over 80 caps for the national team and featured in the recent 3-0 whitewash of France, making his comeback from injury in the 29-19 triumph over Les Bleus in the third Test.
“Anton is a massive asset to the Gallagher Chiefs, and this sabbatical is a great opportunity for him to experience a different rugby environment and learn from a new playing style,” new Chiefs head coach Jono Gibbes said.
“I look forward to seeing how this experience shapes him as a player and what he brings back to the team.”