After getting off to a slow start, it appears that the exodus of All Blacks post Rugby World Cup time to more exciting pastures and adventures overseas has finally hit full swing. And who can blame them?
Those who were in the World Cup squad did what they set out to achieve and most who are going would have played all the top sides you could play against in the black jersey right now, and have won the accolades many players would have missed out. Most are also heading into their 30s and don't have that much rugby left in them in this day and age, meaning any opportunity to make a big buck to secure a comfortable after-rugby life should be taken seriously.
For until the New Zealand dollar is worth more than the British pound and Euro, we will see our best and brightest head off overseas. Even then, the fact that New Zealand is just little cluster of islands in the south Pacific away from the cultural buzz of Asia, Europe and America, and pretty much a terminus for all flights and ships, it's part of the Kiwi culture to go and experience life overseas for a bit - sorry to burst your bubble, John Key and Bill English.
Anyway, enough of my ranting, back to the main topic.
So we know the following "former" All Blacks have left since the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup, i.e. no longer contracted to the New Zealand Rugby Union:
John Afoa, Ulster
Mils Mulia'ina, Japan
Luke McAlister, Toulouse
Stephen Donald, Bath
Brad Thorn, Japan/Ulster
Joe Rokocoko, Bayonne
Jerome Kaino, Toyota
The following players have been mentioned as likely to be heading overseas shortly:
Isaia Toeava, Japan
Jimmy Cowan, Gloucester
And finally there is plenty of speculation surrounding the following players who could be lost to New Zealand rugby maybe next year if not this year:
Richie McCaw - rumoured to be linked with Treviso
Dan Carter - Treviso link
Ali Williams - well he's always wanted to go on a sabbatical and he is getting on..
Andrew Hore - has only signed a one year contract with the Highlanders
Ma'a Nonu - has already gone to Japan over the summer but is still off contract at the end of 2013
Piri Weepu - similar situation to Ma'a Nonu
Keven Mealamu - contract finishes in 2013 but is over 30 now so might have one last contract overseas
Kieran Read - could possibly look at playing in Japan given the workload he currently goes through
But New Zealand rugby fans, don't fret. We've been here before and we turned out just fine. And again it'll all be about the timing. However, Steve Hansen may pick a side with plenty of youth especially for the end of year tour.
It may look like a lot pf players moving of shore but personally I believe they were far worse affected after 2007. Many of the players who have left thus far were not top choice (Rokocoko, Afoa, Toeava, Donald, Cowan) or exzcellent players who had been surpassed in the last year (Muliana).
ReplyDeleteAs for Carter and McCaw, it is plausible that they could have a sabattical but they have both rubbished the reports from Italy. Furthermore, they could earn a lot more in France so just can't see it happening.
And Kieran Reid??? That's never going to happen. He's only bropekn into the All Blacks in the last 2 years. If McCaw were to succomb to injuries...he's most likely to be new Captain!
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