All Blacks Star Activates Sabbatical Clause
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Ben Smith’s agent has confirmed the All Blacks fullback will take a four-month sabbatical after the second Bledisloe Cup Test next month.
The All Blacks will take on the Wallabies in Sydney on August 19 and in Dunedin on August 26 after which Smith has decided he will activate a clause in his contract that entitles him to a sabbatical.
“Contractually he’s on sabbatical now,” Smith’s agent Warren Alcock told NZME.
“As soon as Super Rugby finished he was entitled to take it. He has decided to make himself available for the two Bledisloe games because he has missed some rugby this year.
“The expectation is he will start his sabbatical after those two games.”
Smith’s decision follows in the footsteps of All Black legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw who also activated sabbatical clauses during their New Zealand Rugby careers. Smith will miss out on 8 All Blacks Tests while he’s on sabbatical.
