New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor returned to rugby refreshed and refocused after a six-month sabbatical last year. And now the 96-cap veteran hopes more of his All Blacks teammates can benefit from similar breaks away from the sport’s relentless schedule. With the Autumn Internationals Tickets soon to go on sale, Taylor’s perspective on rest and recovery may become increasingly relevant.
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Taylor’s decision to temporarily step away from the game was made with the full blessing of New Zealand Rugby (NZR). Which allows long-serving All Blacks to take time off under certain contract conditions provided they return to play domestically afterward. Though limited to a few, the initiative is a key tool for retaining talent in a system that excludes overseas-based players from national selection.
Yeah, I think so, Taylor told Reuters when asked whether sabbaticals should be extended to a broader group. It’s been something that has been in a few players’ contracts. And whether or not they’ve wanted to take it that’s for them to decide. But I’ve talked to a couple of players already about what it was like for me.
Whether or not they’re thinking about it themselves. The fact that they’re asking the question gives you the sense that maybe they’re seeing some value in it. Taylor’s time away came after helping the All Blacks reach the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France, where they narrowly lost to South Africa. It was a drive filled with force and disaster, but also one that underscored Taylor’s enduring value to the squad.
Autumn Internationals 2025 Tickets: Taylor Reflects on His Break
The physical and emotional toll of high-performance rugby, combined with the demands of international travel. And expectation, can wear down even the most seasoned athletes. For Taylor, who’s spent over a decade at the top level, the break proved essential. I think there is value, especially if you want to stay in the game as long as possible at a high level, he said. It was a chance to breathe again.
While most All Blacks granted sabbaticals such as Beauden Barrett. And Brodie Retallick opt to play in Japan during their leave to maximize earnings, Taylor took a different path. He stayed off the pitch entirely, prioritizing quality time with his wife and children. For the Crusaders, his absence was sorely felt during their unsuccessful 2024 Super Rugby title defense.
But few begrudged him the rest after years of consistent service. Being away from family with the away trips and all that. That’s where I have struggled in the past, said Taylor, who spoke during a health. And wellbeing campaign backed by NZR and healthcare partner BUPA. Being able to acknowledge that and having the rest and that quality time has been really powerful for me.
Mental health and player wellbeing have become growing points of emphasis in rugby, particularly as the professional era intensifies. For Taylor, becoming a father helped shift his priorities. Well-being wasn’t on his radar when he first entered the sport professionally, but these days, it’s front and center. As the Autumn Internationals 2025 Tickets approach.
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Autumn Internationals 2025: Taylor’s Experience Boosts All Blacks in Autumn Internationals
His return to action late in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season was closely followed by a recall to the All Blacks squad under new head coach Scott Robertson. The transition was seamless, and his experience proved crucial as New Zealand prepared for the Autumn Internationals 2025 in the northern hemisphere.
The All Blacks faced a challenging tour during the autumn series. Taking on England, Ireland, France, and Italy in a tough schedule. The campaign kicked off with a thrilling 24–22 victory over England at Twickenham Taylor making an instant impact with his leadership in the forward pack. That was followed by a gritty 23–13 win over Ireland in Dublin.
Before the team suffered a narrow 30–29 defeat to France in Paris. A match that showcased the razor-thin margins at the elite level. They wrapped up the tour with a convincing 29–11 win over Italy in Rome. These games were the perfect re-entry for Codie, said Robertson. He brought composure, grit, and a lot of mana to the squad. Time away gave him a new fire.
Taylor is already looking ahead to the next big challenge: the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. Though he’ll be 36 by the time the tournament rolls around, he’s not ruling out a run at one final campaign. There’s a model that former teammate Dane Coles was the same age when he played in France in 2023. There’s a lot to be done to earn the right to be there as well. And I know the realities of that, Taylor said.
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England Vs New Zealand Tickets: Taylor Calls for Policy Change
But I do think with my body and where I’m at, I’ve still got so much more to give, and learn and grow as a player. I’ve still got that energy and drive, said Taylor. With the upcoming challenges, including high-profile matches like the England Vs New Zealand series, Taylor is focused on continuing to contribute at the highest level.
For Taylor, the future of New Zealand rugby hinges not just on developing young talent but also on preserving the well-being of its veterans. He believes that by expanding sabbatical options, NZR can reduce the post-World Cup player exodus that has seen numerous stars head for Europe and Japan in search of financial security.
There’s always going to be movement after a World Cup, that’s natural, he said. But if we want our best to stay longer, we’ve got to give them space to rest, reset, and come back stronger. That kind of long-term thinking could be crucial as New Zealand builds toward the next cycle. It’s not just about retaining talent but sustaining performance at the elite level season after season.
As rugby grapples with growing fixture congestion and increasing physical demands, Taylor’s perspective may well shape future policy within New Zealand Rugby. By sharing his own story, he’s igniting a broader conversation one that could help rewrite how the game supports its elite players over the long haul.
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