Why ABs get Japan green light

Let them earn their Yen in Japan or they’ll leave New Zealand for good.

That’s the harsh reality underpinning New Zealand Rugby’s increasing willingness to allow players to play in Super Rugby, head to Japan and then come back again.

Three-test All Black Elliot Dixon is one of those players and he confirmed to Stuff that he would not have returned to the Highlanders this year without his Japanese deal.

‘‘I was close to going for good – around Europe,’’ Dixon said.

‘‘I was just about to head off but a wee little deal with Ricoh [Black Rams] was awesome to get me to come back as well.

‘‘That kept me in New Zealand so I think it’s a good option for New Zealanders to go and try and something different, and if they’ve been there for a few years to come back refreshed and ready to go again.’’

None of this will be news to rugby bosses across the country but with the likes of Beauden Barrett tipped to head to Japan after the World Cup it might mitigate the nationwide hand-wringing if and when the Barrett deal is announced.

NZ Rugby isn’t so much letting its players go but retaining one hand on them when the reality is French and British billionaire club owners want to rip them from their grasp completely.

Compromises must be made all along the chain.

Elliot said he didn’t return to New Zealand from his Tokyo base until the end of January, and he was immediately given two weeks off by the Highlanders before a fortnight of training with the squad.

He will return for the Highlanders against the Rebels on Friday after being unavailable for the opening two rounds of Super Rugby.