It appears that Aaron Smith’s slide from key All Black to international
rugby oblivion shows no sign of abating.
Aaron Smith has been stood down from the 3rd and
final Bledisloe Cup test in Auckland this weekend for his indiscretions at a
disabled washroom in Christchurch Airport following the All Blacks’ victory
over South Africa nearly a month ago.
Not only that, a reliable source has advised that Aaron
Smith’s association with New Zealand rugby may be about to come to an abrupt
end.
Mark McHugh, a prominent rugby agent with links to powerful
English clubs like Leicester, Northampton, Saracens and Harlequins, has been
negotiating a record deal for the world’s best halfback in the last few weeks.
McHugh had initially indicated that the deal was set for
after the British & Irish Lions series. However, it is understood that
Harlequins have been following the events of recent times and are looking to
pay $500,000 extra per season for 4 seasons to secure Aaron Smith’s services as
soon as possible- bringing the deal to a whopping NZ$1.5 million per season.
Smith would play alongside former All Blacks first five,
Nick Evans at the West London club who are based across the road from the
iconic Twickenham Stadium.
With TJ Perenara now firmly established as All Blacks first
choice halfback and Aaron Smith pretty much the least wanted All Black since
Keith Murdoch, it is perhaps not unreasonable that Smith, a World Cup winner
and Super Rugby winner with the Highlanders may call it quits on New Zealand
rugby and head overseas.
The New Zealand Rugby Union would have easy grounds to
terminate Aaron Smith’s contract early, considering the toilet tryst episode a
serious misconduct episode.
