![\"Crusaders](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/crusaders-head-coach-rob-penney-celebrates-with-the-super-ru-DWVER6LONVHKRBK42QZZFPDHYQ.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCrusaders head coach Rob Penney has signed a one-year extension with the Super Rugby Pacific champions but will almost certainly be without All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett next season.<\/p>\n
Senior lock Barrett is expected to activate a non-playing sabbatical clause in his contract \u2013 much like All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor did in 2024. <\/p>\n
Penney and Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge today confirmed Barrett\u2019s situation \u2013 although not his final decision which will likely come via an All Blacks’ announcement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m pretty certain he\u2019ll do something and he\u2019s earned the right,\u201d Penney said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat big body of his has been knocked around for the Crusaders and the All Blacks for a long time now. <\/p>\n
\u201cAs Codie did 18 months ago, I suspect he\u2019ll have a good break. He deserves it and it will be up to other people in the group to step up. When Scooter is ready we\u2019ll welcome him back with open arms.\u201d<\/p>\n
Barrett, 31, a veteran of 81 Tests, is recovering from a calf tear suffered in his side\u2019s first Test win over France in Dunedin this month.<\/p>\n
He is likely to be available for the first Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Cordoba on August 17.<\/p>\n
Taylor has credited his extended break last year as a big factor in his form at the age of 34 and there is little doubt that Barrett, hindered by injury over the past couple of years, would also benefit from one.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Crusaders head coach Rob Penney celebrates with the Super Rugby Pacific trophy last month. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n
Barrett admitted during the season that his form was not where he wanted it to be<\/a> and with 10 Tests remaining this year, including a potentially gruelling Rugby Championship which will include an improved Australia, plus a \u201cgrand slam\u201d against Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland, time off next year will be an alluring prospect.<\/p>\n Fellow senior All Blacks Rieko Ioane (Leinster), Anton Lienert-Brown<\/a> (Kobe) and Ardie Savea<\/a> (Kobe) have already announced playing sabbaticals next year.<\/p>\n Penney said he expected locks Antonio Shalfoon, Jamie Hannah, Taylor Cahill and Liam Jack, the nephew of former All Blacks and Crusaders lock Chris, to fill the void left by Barrett.<\/p>\n After taking the franchise to its 13th championship following a disastrous first year in 2024 when they failed to make the playoffs, Penney said there was little doubt in his mind that he wanted to continue.<\/p>\n \u201cI love coaching and I love this group and organisation\u2026 this will be me. When it\u2019s done it\u2019s done,\u201d he said in an apparent reference to not wanting to coach elsewhere at this level.<\/p>\n