An All Black exodus

IRB U19 World Championship

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

NEW Zealand's Under-19s side may still be revelling in the glory of their IRB Under-19 World Championship triumph, but a warning has been fired by All Black coach Graham Henry about an increasing exodus of his senior side to Europe after the Rugby World Cup in France later this year.

Already Aaron Mauger, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Byron Kelleher, Sam Tuitupou and Anton Oliver have all confirmed they will be leaving after the World Cup.

And Henry has warned New Zealand fans to expect more of the same. Rico Gear is likely to leave, while Sitiveni Sivivatu and Luke McAlister may also have deals to consider.

The financial muscle of the English and French clubs are the driver for the exodus but surprisingly Henry also highlights player welfare as an issue.

The former Wales and Lions coach believes the bulging test calendar and relentless public expectation puts intolerable pressure on the All Black players.

"I think the public doesn't understand the pressure the players are under," said Henry.

"There are huge expectations on these guys. They play 12 or 13 tests a season and they play big Super 14 games - it is big games all the time. Not so long ago a guy might have taken six or seven years to win 35 caps, now he can do that in three or four years.

"These guys are totally committed to the All Black jersey but, for some, they take the view that they need to get out from under the microscope. It's nobody's fault, it is just the nature of the beast."

Meanwhile, Glasgow will arrive in Belfast on Thursday ahead of Friday night's Magners League clash with their future still uncertain.

Following the Scottish Rugby Union's intention to wind up the Borders at the end of the season, there is speculation that Glasgow could be subject to private investment and a move from their Hughenden home. SRU Chief Executive Gordon McKie confirmed an interest in the purchase of a stake of the club.

"Yes, there was interest there about two or three months ago," he said.

"It appeared genuine. An indicative offer was made to invest in the Glasgow team provided it stayed in Glasgow.

"What we have seen so far was not a full business plan, but more of an ideas document.

"We believe they were serious, but we didn't get too far.

"I've met this group a couple of times and phoned them regularly, met them in London as well, but there's a saying that you can lead the horse to drink the water, but if he doesn't want to come, he doesn't want to come."

Glasgow seem certain to move to a new stadium next season as the owners of Hughenden have been unable to give Glasgow the necessary guarantees to stay on and develop the ground.

"To go there we need certainty that we can stay there for the season and that's not forthcoming, so if they can't do that I'm not sure we can go there," added McKie.

A potential option is an ambitious ground development plan by West of Scotland RFC.

"We still have a number of options available to us, both short-term and perhaps a couple of seasons beyond, and we're still in discussion with a number of options regarding the longer-term final playing location," added McKie.

"It's (West of Scotland's) a possibility, and if we have to invest we'll invest. A year ago we wouldn't have done that."

McKie added he was hopeful Glasgow would announce new signings, including some from overseas, this week.

Meanwhile, six Ospreys players face late fitness tests ahead of tonight's Magners League Welsh derby against Llanelli at Stradey Park.

Justin Marshall, Brent Cockbain, Jon Thomas, Mike Powell, Ryan Jones and Alun-Wyn Jones will all be assessed, while Adam Jones (ankle) is out.

Llanelli Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies says the Ospreys game is ideal to get over their Heineken Cup semi-final defeat to Leicester.

"We're both disappointed after two losses to Leicester," said Davies.

"But the Ospreys are playing well, they're coming to Stradey Park in the Magners League and it's a sell-out."