A clear head, a refreshed body and a wedding to boot; Beauden Barrett made the absolute most of his extended break from rugby over the summer.
The Hurricanes star has returned to training this week after taking extra time off and admits even he didn't realise how well things panned out until he looked back.
"Three years ago when my agent was negotiating a contract, we negotiated an extended leave," Barrett said.
"I didn't know I was going to get married at the time but it was fitting with this year being a big year with the World Cup."
Barrett married wife Hannah last month in a secluded ceremony on Rakino Island but he also spent the time off playing a few rounds of golf and participating in the Black Clash cricket match.
The time off proved beneficial, the 73-Test All Black said.
"The body can handle a lot, it's more the mind and just being able to totally switch off.
"Waking up, not having anything planned is actually quite a big change and really refreshing. I was fortunate to have an extended break this offseason and I feel really better for it."
Now, Barrett is turning his attention to rejoining the Hurricanes ranks with an eye also looking ahead to Tokyo and the World Cup.
"At the moment, I'm just really focused on and really excited about being back for the 'Canes.
"I think it's a big year for rugby in general with everyone talking about the Super Rugby as well as the World Cup. It's exciting.
"I'm already buzzing about being back in this environment."
It's not yet known whether Barrett will suit up for the Hurricanes this weekend with the team making a trip to Christchurch to face the Crusaders on Saturday night.
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