'Anything that keeps him in the country' – Steve Hansen heralds Beauden Barrett's Blues move

Steve Hansen has welcomed the news of Beauden Barrett's move from the Hurricanes to the Blues, having committed to New Zealand Rugby through to 2023.

Barrett, 28, will move north to Auckland from Wellington for the next Super Rugby season, allowing him to be closer to wife Hannah.

Speaking to media in Auckland today, Hansen spoke of his joy at being able to keep one of the best players in the world in New Zealand for the foreseeable future.

"Anything that keeps him in the country playing is great," he said.

"He wouldn't have made the decision to leave the Hurricanes lightly."

Hansen continued to state the significance of the move on Barrett's family life, having moved to Auckland.

"He is married to a lovely young lady who comes from here - we all know that we're guided by our wives where we live, usually.

"He's made the decision to not travel down, I think that's in the best interests of him. I think you can't sustain that sort of travel all the time.

"The logical place is to play here. I'd rather he was here and playing for the All Blacks rather than having to go overseas."