Tamanivalu Ponders On Rugby Future
It is highly likely Tamanivalu, 25, would earn a more lucrative wage overseas, whether it be in France, the United Kingdom or Japan.
Seta Tamanivalu is the latest All Blacks’ back to consider offers from overseas clubs. Tamanivalu, who won three Test caps last year when used as a midfield replacement, joined the Crusaders on a one-year deal after leaving the Chiefs at the end of the 2016 season.
Now the 25-year-old makes his ninth start for the Crusaders on the right wing when they take on Chiefs on Friday night in Suva, is deciding whether to further his career on foreign soil.
“I am in the process, at the moment, of thinking about that- whether I am staying or moving,” he said.
“We will make the decision, maybe, soon. If I stick around New Zealand I will probably stay here (in Christchurch). Maybe it will be overseas- it all depends what happens in the next few weeks.”
He isn’t alone in assessing his options. Two other All Blacks midfielders, Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa, are also deciding whether to re-commit to NZ Rugby.
The All Blacks’ selectors are not short of candidates to play at second five-eighth or centre, with Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, George Moala and Charlie Ngatai on their books.
If Tamanivalu and Crotty were to decide this was to be their final season in New Zealand, it would force the Crusaders to either promote players from within or go to the market.
It is highly likely Tamanivalu, 25, would earn a more lucrative wage overseas, whether it be in France, the United Kingdom or Japan. Having three test caps on his CV, his versatility and power-running would all hold great appeal. Although he worked for the Chiefs and Taranaki as a centre, he has put his 110kg to good use on the wing for the Crusaders by refusing to avoid contact and therefore committing defenders before looking to offload.
“As a professional player it is probably the hardest decision to make,” he said in reference to a potential move offshore. “Sometimes the money doesn’t make you happy, you have to think about the environment and the culture of the team.”
Prior to his arrival at the Crusaders, Tamanivalu was expected to compete with Jack Goodhue and Crotty for the No 13 jersey. Instead he was asked to try life on the wing, proved a winner in that role, and has been asked to stay there when fit. Last year he appeared twice against Wales when they toured New Zealand, and against the Wallabies in Wellington.
When Crotty was injured in the loss to Ireland in Chicago, he was rushed over to Europe but never got further than the training fields.
Blinding speed isn’t one of Tamanivalu’s biggest assets, but strength and power are right up there. Following the exit of the massive Nemani Nadolo, he has helped add size on the right-hand edge.
It helps when you enjoy the physical confrontation, clearly.
“That is one of the strengths I am trying to use. In old days the wings would try to run around (their opponents) but maybe I am not so good at that. I probably use my size more, that is what I am good at.
“Just trying to take people on. I am just trying to bring something different, just take them on.”