All Black exodus set to increase – Fatialofa
Former Hurricanes star Michael Fatialofa is predicting an increasing exodus of fringe All Blacks in an alarming message to New Zealand Rugby.
Fatialofa, a 26-year-old lock who played for New Zealand schools, is into a two-year deal at English club Worcester. He’s happy to be playing for the big money while in the prime of his career, and suggests other young New Zealand players will be thinking the same.
The All Blacks are sure to lose a wealth of top stars after the World Cup. Kieran Read, Ryan Crotty, Liam Squire, Ben Smith and Nehe Milner-Skudder are set to depart and Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock could be handed sabbaticals.
But it’s the increasing plucking of the second tier of talent that should have Kiwi rugby bosses concerned. Charles Piutau, Steven Luatua, Brad Shields and Lima Sopoaga have all settled into the English system and appear comfortable with their decisions.
Fatialofa’s Hurricanes team-mate
part of why the Auckland franchise has in turn struggled to produce the wins to contend.
This is a fellow who has the talent and power to be a difference-maker, has shown it in spades at the next level down, and in glimpses for his franchise. He’s on notice that he has to up his workrate and consistency to be considered for higher honours. He does that, and suddenly these Blues could make that transformation they’ve been promising for so long. Matt Proctor is the latest All Black to confirm his intentions, signing to join Northampton after the Super Rugby season.
‘‘I think people are starting to realise there are different avenues you can pursue and a lot of boys back home have been messaging me asking what it’s like. They’re going to try to come over, so I wouldn’t be surprised if lots of other Kiwis head north,’’ Fatialofa told
22 Agustin Creevy (Jaguares)
Age: 33. Position: Hooker.
The heart and soul of the Jaguares. As simple as that. Tough as nails, super committed, a fabulous leader and very, very good at the core facets of his trade.
The Jags have morphed into a competitive, respectable unit and Creevy’s no-nonsense play has been a big part of that.
More of the same in 2019 and they could again be a tough out in this competition. The Rugby Paper in the UK.
Fatialofa revealed he encouraged Proctor, who has played one test, to make the big move overseas and those sorts of recommendations are only likely to increase as the money versus the All Blacks jersey debate intensifies.
Fatialofa said it was all about the timing and weighing up the needs of young families.
‘‘It’ll get harder for people down there to keep hold of talent,’’ Fatialofa said.
‘‘Everyone’s different and, for me, the financial side was quite a big factor. Being able to look after my family is very important and coming here relatively young, it gives me a chance to play well for Worcester and enjoy some of my best years.
‘‘I loved playing Super Rugby but you get to an age where you’ve got to make that decision and New Zealand Rugby is going to have to have to fight quite hard for those fringe All Blacks to stay because they’ll be getting good offers,’’ he said.
21 Liam Squire (Highlanders)
Age: 27. Position: Loose forward. The rugged No 6 needs a big campaign to sign off with a World Cup tilt in his final season before heading to Japan. Injury issues stalled his momentum in
2018 and he has some ground to regain. He knows it too. He has put on 4kg of muscle to help with the attrition and is ready to deliver for his franchise. The Landers are awash with quality 6s and
8s, but this guy, at his best, is the most destructive of them all.