Fekitoa's future up in air
Player’s agent says no overseas offers on the table
HIGHLANDERS centre Malakai Fekitoa is in no rush to make a decision on his future and no overseas offers are said to be on the table.
The bruising centre was left out of the All Black squad to play the British and Irish Lions in the threetest series when it was named on Thursday.
With his contract with the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby up at the end of the year, Fekitoa’s future is up in the air.
A former All Black midfielder, Fekitoa (25) would attract plenty of interest from overseas clubs.
His agent, Bruce Sharrock, of Auckland, said yesterday no decision had been made by Fekitoa but it was disappointing he missed out on an All Black spot.
‘‘But clearly yesterday [Thursday] was part of that decision process. We need to take stock of everything at the moment.’’
The only deadline at the moment was December 31, when his contract finished with both the Highlanders and New Zealand Rugby.
‘‘We do plan to catch up. We’ll get through this Lions game and then maybe look at something . . . He is disappointed but lots of guys are disappointed.’’
Sharrock said there was nothing on the table at the moment from any overseas clubs for Fekitoa.
It was wise to not make decisions in an emotional state, Sharrock said.
Fekitoa burst on the scene in 2014 and has missed just three games — all because of rest — in the past four years for the Highlanders.
He was the 31st and last player picked for the 2014 season after the Highlanders failed to secure Tamati Ellison for another season.
The centre was an instant hit for the franchise and made the All Black squad that year.
Sharrock said Fekitoa liked Dunedin and enjoyed the Highlanders.
‘‘That is where he turned his career round. He came down and made the All Blacks from there and he was a good All Black.’’
A rugby player had a short shelf life and so financial priorities did come into the equation.
The Highlanders have given Fekitoa space to consider his next move and will not be pressing him into signing a contract.
But the franchise is keen to have him back and recognises his abilities.
Highlanders assistant coach Jon Preston said Fekitoa had the chance to show his wares straight away.
‘‘He is bitterly disappointed as you always would be. Our feeling is in some of the areas of the game he has been outstanding in recent weeks,’’ Preston said.
‘‘He would have been given feedback from the All Black selectors and reason why [he was not selected]. Great thing is he has got an opportunity on Tuesday to come back and play well against the Lions.
‘‘He needs now to put his best foot forward and do well.’’