The money or the jersey
Departed All Black Lima Sopoaga has delivered a chilling warning to New Zealand Rugby, declaring that overseas money is starting to outweigh the famous black jersey.
The 26-year-old has started his English career with Wasps, having left New Zealand in his prime with just 16 test caps to his name.
While the game’s bosses in New Zealand continue to cling to the value of the All Blacks jersey, not picking players from overseas to wear it in a bid to retain talent at home, Sopoaga says that might not be enough in changing times.
‘‘Things are starting to change and players are starting to wise up a bit,’’ Sopoaga told The Guardian newspaper.
"They realise it’s a business these days. A lot of us are starting to talk to each other more and about how we can benefit from the game because it is a business and it can be pretty cut-throat at times.
‘‘For a lot of guys like myself, who come from big families, from low socioeconomic backgrounds the chance to change your family’s life is pretty overwhelming.
‘‘It’s not something you should take lightly and sometimes the jersey is not enough for a better life.
‘‘It is special, the experiences you have are pretty surreal, but down the track those things don’t pay for a roof over your head.’’
Sopoaga’s premature departure hardly came as a surprise. While All Blacks traditionally left for Europe and Japan for big payouts in the twilight of their careers, things have changed with young stars such as Charles Piutau,
‘‘Sometimes the jersey is not enough for a better life.’’ Lima Sopoaga
Malakai Fekitoa, Aaron Cruden and Julian Savea all heading overseas while in their 20s and with plenty to offer the New Zealand game.
Others such as Wellington and Hurricanes captain Brad Shields have given up on their All Blacks dream early and taken up tempting overseas offers to earn good club money and play test rugby for foreign countries.
Sopoaga said it was a matter of basic economics in many cases.
‘‘You can easily see why the riches of Europe for young guys appeal – rugby doesn’t last forever and younger guys are becoming more aware of that,’’ he told The Guardian.
‘‘I think that’s a good thing. For me having my daughter changed things, how I looked at rugby, how I looked at life. Rugby isn’t forever. It can all be taken away from you.’’
Sopoaga, like many before him, found himself in a talent squeeze, stuck in a No 10 queue behind Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie and with Richie Mo’unga snapping at his heels.
In a sport dominated by the four-year World Cup cycle, he chose to exit early rather than contest what will be a flooded player market after next year’s global tournament in Japan.
Recently, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen raised the issue of government help to support the talent for his team. There were also suggestions of tax breaks for top players in New Zealand.