Why All Blacks won't chase Euro deals
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: All Blacks and Hurricanes star Dane Coles believes there will be fewer All Blacks heading north in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Coles, more of New Zealand’s top players will probably continue their careers in their home country than move to European leagues, who are struggling come up with their return to play dates and their finances.
New Zealand has already confirmed a “Super Rugby Aotearoa” tournament amongst their five franchises. This could potentially be followed by the Mitre 10 Cup, a mooted North v South All Blacks trial and an extended Bledisloe Cup series.
“It does make you appreciate being in New Zealand,” Coles told stuff.co.nz. “We heard some sad stories of guys playing in France and they’re still in lockdown and their contract is taking a massive hit.
“Very grateful that we’re in New Zealand and it’s definitely going to have an effect on people looking overseas in that UK and France market. You might get a few old buggers playing Mitre 10 Cup so that’d be good for the provinces.
“New Zealand’s a great place, not a bad place to finish up your career.”
Coles, 33, is still contracted to New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2021.
“Hopefully, I get another couple of years. That’d be nice,” he added.
“The body’s feeling really good and hopefully that can extend maybe another contract if anyone’s willing to pick me up. It’s kind of been a blessing in disguise having this break.”
Source: Stuff.co.nz
