Rugby World Cup superstar plays for amateur team and leaves opponents in the dust

Rugby legend Beauden Barrett has made a surprise appearance for his childhood grassroots team after returning from Japan. The New Zealand star, who has been playing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan's Rugby League One division since the end of the Rugby World Cup, is back in his homeland and is set to re-sign with the Auckland Blues.

Despite training with the Blues since his return, he was deemed ineligible to play in the latter stages of the Super Rugby Pacific knock-outs. As a result, he will be a spectator when the Blues face the Chiefs in the final on Saturday, June 22.

In the meantime, Barrett donned his boots for amateur club Coastal, his first game for them in 14 years. He played a key role in their 52-12 victory over Inglewood in the Taranaki Premier club rugby competition, setting up several tries.

Barrett's participation was kept under wraps until Saturday morning, as he didn't want his involvement to overshadow the match.

"He wanted to be a Coastal lad, just one of the team, and he didn't want the game to be about him," Coastal Rugby Club chair Janet Fleming revealed 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 competes in the Taranaki Premier League. This league boasts 33 teams across four divisions.

Despite Barrett's affiliation with the Blues, Taranaki falls under the Waikato Chiefs' catchment area.

Barrett graced the pitch for Coastal's 'firsts', which is effectively the most grassroots level of club rugby in New Zealand. The club also fields a women's team and a B team.

All Black sibling Scott Barrett was present to witness his brother's match from the sidelines.

In a heartfelt Facebook post following Beauden Barrett's appearance, Coastal expressed: "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 responded: "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 preparing for the Test season with New Zealand - squaring off against England twice before the Rugby Championship kicks off in August.