Brodie Retallick signals intent on playing future as Japan contract nears end

Brodie Retallick won’t be tempted back to New Zealand for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, feeling his body is done with Test rugby after 109 caps.

The big lock returned to the spotlight this week after scoring four tries in Kobe Kobelco Steelers’ 67-21 win over Ricoh Black Rams, inspiring thoughts of a reunion with the black jersey.

The 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year signed a three-year deal with Kobe in 2023, meaning that, like former All Black teammate Richie Mo’unga, he could make a return to New Zealand ahead of 2027.

But that thought wouldn’t be entertained by the man himself, who, now 34 years of age, sees his All Blacks career as a closed chapter in his life.

“I think my time is done, to be honest,” Retallick told Sport Nation‘s Millsy and Guy.

“At times, you think, could you still do it? But at the end of the day, the body is getting a bit older. And after all this time away from home, I think those days are done. I’ll see my time out in Japan. I can confirm that for you today.”

Jokingly dismissing his four-try tally against the Black Rams as “a bit silly, a bit out of hand”, Retallick says he’s enjoying his time in Kobe, with 2026 poised to be his team’s most competitive season yet in his time there.

The addition of New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea has brought plenty of star power to the club’s talent stocks, while All Blacks teammate Anton Lienert-Brown’s arrival certainly helps make up for the departure of Moana Pasifika newcomer Ngani Laumape. Both players are with the club on one-year deals thanks to sabbatical clauses in their respective New Zealand Rugby contracts.

Five rounds into the new season, Kobe sits third on the table with four wins and one loss, having only been defeated by the table-topping Kubota Spears in week one.

“I’ve definitely been enjoying it,” Retallick said of his time at the Steelers. “We’re at a good club in a good spot, and we have a great squad this year in particular. We’ve got big aspirations, and the rugby’s going well. Not much to complain about, that’s for sure.”

Comparing his decade in Super Rugby Pacific with his two completed seasons in Japan Rugby League One, Retalick said there are two big differences.

“Probably the defence side of things. I think the game’s as fast, if not faster, as (Super Rugby) level.

“There are some big forward packs with some teams, but other teams probably don’t have the size, and that’s where some of the contact is probably not at the same intensity as your New Zealand competition.”