Barrett is currently in camp with Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship (NPC), working through return-to-play protocols.
While he has no set return-to-play timeline, the Herald understands the union hopes the 32-year-old will be cleared to return in amber and black before the NPC season ends.
When Barrett’s surgery was announced, it was hoped he might be available to join the All Blacks’ camp in time for the Bledisloe Cup and November Nations Championship games in Europe.
A return for Taranaki would certainly be a step in the right direction for the lock.
The back issue came as he worked towards a return with the Crusaders after a non-playing sabbatical this year.
Scott Barrett is in camp with Taranaki as he works through his return-to-play protocols. Photo / Photosport
“He’s tried every non-invasive trick you could do to get right and it just hasn’t come off,” then Crusaders coach Rob Penney said at the time.
“He was in great shape, he had a great break, and he’d come back very excited.”
The status of other injured All Blacks is still being assessed.
A return timeframe is yet to be provided for Quinn Tupaea, who missed the last test against South Africa with a knee injury.
As is the case for Anton Segner (ankle), Cortez Ratima (knee), Ollie Norris (knee), and Billy Proctor (shoulder) who were all also injured during the South African tour, while George Bell (calf) has made his return for Canterbury after injury ruled him out of the South African tour.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.