Squire heading off the Japan
All Blacks No 6 Liam Squire will join the post-World Cup gold rush and chase the big money in Japan.
Squire has signed a deal with a club – yet to be made public – and will snip his ties with the game in New Zealand after the World Cup tournament is played in Japan later this year.
Although NZ Rugby will be disappointed to lose a player who will be only 28 when he leaves, it will not be blindsided by his move as it’s understood Squire and his management have kept the organisation informed of their plans to negotiate with the Japanese club.
Injuries have forced Squire, who has made 23 test appearances since his test debut against Wales in Dunedin in
2016, to make regular visits to team doctors over the years and the opportunity to earn a lucrative salary in the less demanding Japanese competition is likely to be of great appeal.
Last year Squire hurt a knee in the All Blacks’ 19-6 loss to Ireland in Dublin on November
17, having been frustrated by thumb and hand injuries that limited his appearances earlier in the international season.
The attrition on his body is a reflection of his aggressive style, and a major reason the All Blacks selectors have been keen to have him in their starting teams – when fit; at around 113kg, and standing 1.96m tall, he can make life miserable for opponents with his big tackles.
But his combustible style can come at a cost, which is reflected in his long list of injuries.
He is one of a raft of All Blacks back rowers who are leaving, or considering an exit from New Zealand after the World Cup.