All Blacks superstar turns up to play at amateur rugby match and changes entire game

Beauden Barrett turned up to play for his boyhood grassroots rugby team after returning from Japan.

The New Zealand legend has been playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan's Rugby League One division since the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup, and has now returned to his home country ahead of re-signing with the Auckland Blues.

Barett has been training with the Blues since returning from Japan, and the club had enquired whether they could use him in the latter stages of the Super Rugby Pacific knock-outs. However, he was ruled ineligible and therefore unable to play. The Blues have made the final, and will play against the Chiefs on Saturday, June 22, but Barrett will have to watch from the sidelines.

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In the meantime, Barrett laced up his boots for boyhood amateur club Coastal for the first time in 14 years. The All Black played a part in the second half of a 52-12 victory over Inglewood in the Taranaki Premier club rugby competition, setting up a number of tries. Before Barrett came on, the match was tied at 5-5.

Barrett wasn't initially listed in the team's squad ahead of the clash, because they were unsure whether he would be available. However, they found out on Saturday morning that the 33-year-old world star would be available and got him involved in the match.

Barrett had specifically requested the club to not tell the media about his appearance before the game, to avoid making it about him.

"He wanted to be a Coastal lad, just one of the team, and he didn’t want the game to be about him," said Coastal Rugby Club chair Janet Fleming to the New Zealand Herald. "We respected that and told everyone to just tell their families, spread the word with the neighbours, and just in true coastal grapevine [fashion], the message got out that he was going to be there, we just didn’t know if he would be playing."

Coastal are an amateur side, so this would be comparable to when Wales legend Mike Phillips played for Whitland RFC. The team plays in the Taranaki Premier league, which has 33 teams that play in four divisions in total. Taranaki actually comes under the Waikato Chiefs region, despite Barrett playing for the Blues.

This is essentially the lowest level of club rugby in New Zealand, but Barrett played for the Coastal 'firsts'. The club also have a women's and seconds side.

Barrett's brother and fellow All Black Scott watched the match from the sidelines.

Writing on Facebook after Barrett's appearance for the team, Costal said: "When a Rugby icon returns home, there is only one word to describe it!! Congratulations Beauden Barrett on the team's win today and your return to Coastal Rugby!! 14 years between drinks and one that you have been waiting for, just as much as the Coastal community has!

"The team was stoked to play with you today, something that players will remember forever! Keep on being the inspiration you are! We love ya Beaudy!! Welcome home and come back anytime!!! Ride the Wave."

Barrett said: "It's great to be back. I don't get the chance to play for Coastal a lot but it's great to see club rugby is still strong in Taranaki."

Barrett is now gearing up for Test season with New Zealand - facing England twice before the Rugby Championship starts in August.