Aaron Smith will play in Japan next year. Photo: Christiaan Kotze
All Blacks Test centurions Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett will team up at Japanese club Toyota in 2024.
Smith has committed to a long-term contract that will likely mean 2023 will be his last season in New Zealand.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is continuing to work with Barrett about a potential return to New Zealand beyond 2024.
Smith and Barrett will play for the Highlanders and Blues respectively in Super Rugby Pacific this season and will be available for the All Blacks through to the end of the Rugby World Cup in France.
Both players have cemented their place in the top echelon of world rugby. The two most-capped backs in All Blacks history, Smith (114) and Barrett (112 - second equal with Dan Carter) are part of an exclusive group to have won Rugby World Cup and Super Rugby titles.
Smith was an integral part of the Highlanders' maiden Super Rugby title in 2015 and is the team's most-capped player (176), while Barrett won the title with the Hurricanes in 2016.
"I'm looking forward to taking up this opportunity with Toyota alongside a good friend and long-term team-mate in Aaron," Barrett said.
Barrett and Smith share the same agent, Warren Alcock from Halo Sport, and he is negotiating Barrett's next move after Japan.
"I want to give myself time to ensure I make the right decision and once I gain clarity on that I will be able to give an update on what my future looks like beyond 2024," Barrett said.
Beauden Barrett is yet to decide his playing future beyond 2024. Photo:
Smith said since he signed his first professional contract as in 2008 he has "been living my dream".
"I have been blessed to represent my home with the Manawatū Turbos, who helped me chase my dream of being a Super Rugby player.
"I have to say a big thanks to the Highlanders for believing in me. I have done it all with that team and they have always been there for me. Thank you to every Highlanders player, staff member and fan. You have given me everything and more in the 13 years we have had together."
Highlanders CEO Roger Clark said: "You look at Aaron and you think, this guy could go on forever. I know we and every Highlanders fan would want him to. Unfortunately, that is not a reality in professional rugby and the time has come to say thank you, good luck and goodbye.
"We wish him, Teagan, Luka and Leo all the very best in Japan, and I would encourage everyone to come out this season and watch the master at work one last time."
Smith would also be remembered for his impact in his home province.
Manawatū Rugby CEO Andrea Jackson said Smith had been an inspiration to young players in the region.
"Aaron is the perfect example of the pathways provided by provincial rugby. It has been a privilege for Manawatū Rugby to watch Aaron progress from a promising schoolboy at Feilding High School, to a provincial standout with the Turbos, to the All Blacks, and through to being one of the greatest in his position of all time."
