NZ Rugby fights for its life aga
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is gloving up for the fight of its life to fend off cashed up overseas clubs who are hunting a multitude of marquee All Blacks post World Cup.
And to do it, a small number of star players could be afforded flexibility in their next contracts that exceed the freedom given to Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.
About 28 players who have worn the All Blacks jersey remain off-contract post the 2019 World Cup. Some are almost certain to head overseas and some face the same likelihood of hanging up the boots.
Names such as Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Owen Franks and Joe Moody will be at the top of recruitment lists for European or Japanese clubs.
It’s no secret that the cash-strapped NZR can’t match the lucrative contracts available overseas but NZR chief executive Steve Tew says his organisation is constantly brainstorming new ideas to combat their advances.
‘‘The clubs are busy now. We’re under the pump now with player retention work,’’ Tew said.
As NZR and agents of leading players thrash out the haggling process, NZR would continue to look at outside the box ideas to retain talent, Tew said.
There has been speculation the likes of Barrett could demand the equivalent of about $3 million a season playing overseas – about triple what they would command playing in New Zealand.
‘‘We certainly don’t try and compete head-to-head with any of the clubs in the northern hemisphere whether they be English, French or Japanese,’’ Tew said.
So what sort of flexibility can be granted?
One option is the ever polarising sabbaticals.
Be it to prolong the careers of battle-weary senior All Blacks, provide time for family or travel and a mental freshen up or the most polarising one of all – to play a stint overseas. Whatever the reason, sabbaticals can be a win-win for star players and NZR.
NZR’s budget for players wages sits at 36 per cent of its income. That won’t change but allowing a top liner to head off to Japan for a portion of say the 2021 season, may be enough to convince him to hang around in Godzone for good.
Especially if he knew he could come back late to Super Rugby duties the following season.