『 lifelong friendships 』

Since his arrival in Japan, Beauden Barrett's smile has always been there. We tried to get to the root of his charm from various angles, including the reason for his ever-present smile during the interview. （Interview Date：Late April, 2021）

◆Play with commitment to your instinct

――Congratulations on becoming the Japan Rugby Top League 2021 Top Scorer.

I just played the role of a goal kicker in a team that scored a lot of tries. I really enjoy being in a team that attacks aggressively.

――You scored the game-winning points against Toyota in the 5th game and against Kubota in the 6th game, how do you feel when you achieve that?

We've been working hard as a team, and we will do our best to win the game in the critical phase, which will be important in the playoffs. We don't know when that moment will come, so I'm very happy that we were able to get the points that led our team to win.

――Not only you enjoy playing as a stand-off, but you also seem to enjoy running and scoring tries on your own.

Number 10 has a lot of influence on our tactics and is often the first receiver of the ball off 9. Number 10 also has a lot of touches on the ball. Fullback is more likely to attack the ball and space they are given. I am good at running plays so when I play at number 10, I can choose when and where to run. I enjoy playing at number 10 position because I can play with control and look for opportunities, such as moving the ball into space.

――It says "I'm too embarrassed to say it" in the "Plays I'm good at and plays you are known for" in the website of Sungoliath.

I don't remember the reason why I wrote it (laughs), but there is a part of me that trusts my instinct and intuition, and I believe that I can play without any doubt.

――How do you improve your instinct part?

I go into a match with a week to prepare my skill set and awareness of how to play in a match and different situations. If I find myself in a similar situation in a game, or in a situation where I know I should play a certain way, I make a decision in a split second and commit to my instinct.

――Do you find it fun when you use your instinct?

When I'm running and I see a gap/disconnection in the opponent's defense or a hole somewhere, I enjoy running into it, and I also enjoy when I can make a clean offload pass, or when I can find a hole and make an offload pass. When I find a space for a kick and execute well and it leads to a try, I think that's also a good play for me, so I enjoy that part of my game.

◆Have positive influence on people

――What is it that makes you smile all the time?

I have always been that way since I was a child. Now I am playing at the international level and at the World Cup level, and the expectations and pressure from everyone are increasing, but I still try to remember to have fun. Whether it's in a game or in practice, I try to make it a point to have fun. When I can no longer enjoy myself, I think it is time to retire.

――You usually keep a smile on your face.

It's something I'm very aware of, so thank you for observing me so closely. As with anyone, there are good times and bad times, and for me, I want to bring as much positive influence on my team and family as I can. I always try to be a good inspiration and a positive influence on others. Even though there is a lot going on in the world, I try to be a positive influence.

――Other players mention your preparation is excellent. I wonder if it's that kind of preparation that allows you to have room to relax and keep a smile on your face.

I am aware of the importance of preparation, and by preparing well, I am able to play with confidence. There are times when I cannot prepare perfectly, but I try to prepare well so that I can play at the level I am looking for. Sometimes I change things up a bit, but I try to prepare the same way every time and keep my mind focused on maintaining a good performance.

――You seem to be able to stay focused during a match. Do you ever get into a zone (flow = super concentration state)?

Yes, I think it is best to keep myself in the zone or flow as much as possible, so I hope to be able to do that consciously.
This is a very interesting topic for me. I really think that the top athletes in the world often play in the zone for a long time, while those who aren't tend to get out of the zone quickly, or go in and out of the zone repeatedly, which is very interesting.
I think I get into the zone quite often. What's important is to recognize when I'm not in the zone or flow, and then try to get back into the zone so that I can get back to that state.

◆Smart approach to rugby

――What do you think was the best thing about coming to Sungoliath?

I am impressed about the work rate and skill level here. However, what I have to be careful about is that I don't think rugby is a big part of my life, and I live my life thinking that I have to do things like taking care of my family and other businesses. It's good to work hard, but I'm trying to approach rugby, including training, with an eye to how smart, efficient, and balanced I should be.

――What other businesses are you involved in?

I am doing investments. I am doing this with the future of my family in mind.

――Does your family live in Japan?

Yes, I am living with my wife and daughter.

――What do you think was the best part of coming to Japan?

I've been very happy with my experience so far. It has been an experience with a lot of restrictions, but I was able to experience a different team, a different style, a different culture, and making new friends, including teammates and management staff. When I leave the team, I am going to tell them that they are welcome to come and stay at my house in Auckland anytime.

The season will continue, but I believe that I have made lifelong friendships and that I will have the opportunity to play for Suntory again in the future. I hope my parents and other family members will also come to Japan, as I believe that regulations will be eased by then.

◆When the team scores a try

――The trio of Barrett brothers have scored tries in the 2019 Rugby World Cup!

I'm very proud of the time three of us were able to play together. All three of us were able to score in that game, so I'm very happy with the great experience.

――Once again, what is great about rugby?

The part I feel great is when a try is scored by the team effort. We plan, go through various processes, and finish up how to play together as a team, and when we get a try in the form we have prepared, I think that is a big, exciting part of rugby for me.
In the locker room after a victory, drinking beer and talking with teammates, even on days when we lose, we try to figure out how we can improve, raise our level, and fight for the next game. We have been chasing after how we can grow day by day, and I feel that this is what makes rugby attractive and worthwhile.

◆We all need to believe that we can win the championship

――What are your goals as a player, and what are the challenges you face in reaching those goals?

In terms of what I'm working on as a player, it's the skill set. There are many skills that need to be developed further, such as run, catch, pass, tackle, high ball, etc. I am working on these skills because I believe that they can all be improved in my process. I feel privileged to be able to go through such a process as my job.

My goal is to win the finals, win the final Top League, and then return to New Zealand to play for the All Blacks and win the Bledisloe Cup and the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

――Where do you think you are now in terms of the player you are aiming to be?

I believe that the best is yet to come.

――What is your life goal?

To my wife and daughter, I want to be a good father and a good husband. I have my own business goals, and I am not sure about what I will do after I retire from rugby, but I want to grow as a good person. I want to be a good person, a good father, and a good husband, and I don't think that will change.

――What do you think is the most important thing in the playoff tournament?

I think it is very important that we all have faith and believe that we can win the championship. There will be times when you wonder if you can really win, but I think it will be important in the playoffs for everyone to have faith and believe that we can do it.

(Interview & Structure: Kazuyoshi Hariya /Translator: Yuji Yamaguchi /Editing: Yutaro Igarashi)
[Photo: Aki Nagao]