‘AU REVOIR’

New Zealand rugby could be about to lose three more high profile players — one of whom featured on last year’s northern tour.

The Herald on Sunday understands that All Blacks and Crusaders wing Seta Tamanivalu, Chiefs midfielder Charlie Ngatai and Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua are strongly considering overseas deals.

Ngatai’s signing with Lyon is understood to be imminent, while Tamanivalu is believed to be close to committing to fellow French club Bordeaux Begles. Both are expected to earn more than $500,000 a season.

This comes hot on the heels of Lima Sopoaga, the 16-test All Blacks first five-eighth, leaving in his prime — after one final season with the Highlanders — on a mega deal worth $1.13 million a year with Londonbased Wasps.

On the face of it, Tamanivalu’s probable exit seems surprising after reviving his prospects on the edge with the Crusaders last year. His comeback to the All Blacks, a year on from his first three tests in the midfield, saw him impress against the Barbarians and French XV.

Dig a little deeper, though, and it is apparent the outside backs will be one of the most hotly-contested areas in the All Blacks.

Like Sopoaga, Tamanivalu may be keen to strike while his value is high rather than waiting to push for a place in the World Cup squad.

Born in Fiji, he may also have family back home to support.

With Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett and Nehe Milner-Skudder all due to return this season, and Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo proving their test credentials, Tamanivalu could easily slip down the pecking order, no matter how compelling his form this year.

Although not a natural wing, Tamanivalu’s gifted physical attributes made him a force after shifting from the Chiefs to the Crusaders.

The 25-year-old is just beginning to showcase his rounded abilities, and now that talent may be lost to offshore riches.

Ngatai may not garner the same headlines as others but is probably the biggest loss.

Unlike other areas, depth in the midfield, particularly at No 12, is not stacked, and someone of his experience and class takes many years to fully develop.

Unfortunately for Ngatai, who has captained New Zealand Maori, the Chiefs and Taranaki, repeated concussions robbed him of the chance to grab his opening with the All Blacks, restricting him to one test in Samoa in 2015.

Fully fit, he could easily have reached double figures by now. It has been a case of what might have been. Successive head knocks threatened his career last year and at 27, it makes sense for him to cash in while he can.

But at his best, Ngatai’s range of skill is as good as any second five-eighth.

As for Taufua, the bruising blindside who came close to All Blacks selection in 2016 may also have run out of patience. Englandbound Brad Shields could empathise.

With Vaea Fifita and Liam Squire storming past Jerome Kaino, who is another weighing his future, prospects for others appear blocked in this role.

Taufua, a strong ball carrier but lacking height, may feel the time is right to set himself up in France or Japan.

For these three prospects, the reality is they are on the fringe of the All Blacks and therefore fall into the “at risk” category of those who can usually double — sometimes triple — their earnings abroad.

When it comes to this often underrated middle tier, New Zealand Rugby can only do so much to counter the poaching.

As was seen with Sopoaga, it is difficult enough to retain even those within the regular All Blacks matchday squad.