Which New zealand players are leaving to play in Europe?

Question

Will the all-blacks be severely weakened after the world cup?

will they win in 2011?

Answer 1

Byron Kelleher has gone to Toulouse

Carl Hayman.......Newcastle

Aaron Mauger.............Leicester

Chris Jack................Saracens

Sam Tuitupou..........Worchester

Clarke Dermody...............London Irish

Josh Blackie...............Kobe Steel (Japan)

Paul Tito..............Bristol

The following are rumoured to be considering moves to Europe;

Luke McAlister

Rico Gear

Anton Oliver

Doug Howlett

Sitiveni Sivivatu

Ma'a Nonu

Jimmy Cowan

Answer 2

Yeah alot, and I mean ALOT of our players are heading ouverseas after the world cup, but our wealth of talent is so deep we will fill the void with another quality player. Even if Dan Carter and Richie McCaw were to leave we would have players more tha capable of stepping in to cover more than enough to still be considered the number one team in the world. Yes we will win 2011, as a number of players heading over seas (already gone and possibly going) have stated that they will return in time to be considered for the All Blacks world cup compaign, seeing as it'll be on home soil I think you will see alot of players returning.

Still think it is a bad thing for the game world wide, that European teams have to pull in so many kiwis, what happeing to their talent pool?

Answer 3

Yeah, they will be weakened after the world cup.

But that doesn't really matter.

All the players leaving have to make a bit of cash before they retire, so fair play to them. They have to come to Europe for a bit it's not really a decision you can blame them for making.

All the guys leaving are in their late 20s early 30s.

They wouldn't be in the squad in 2011 so it will only help NZ build a great team again. England messed up last time, I don't think NZ will make the same mistakes (unfortunately)

Answer 4

Carl Hayman, Byron Kelleher, possibly Luke McAllister and a few others.  I know that Carl Hayman's contract expires in 2010 which gives him a year to return to NZ and then if still in form possibly be selected for the 2011 WC team and others will surely work along the same lines.

There are critics of the rotation scheme but it builds depth and altho NZ will certainly miss the likes of Hayman, Kelleher & McAllister ~ there are so many talented and keen players in the country coming up through the ranks that can move into these positions.  It will obviously take time to build the experience & maturity that this level requires but I don't think the All Blacks will suffer at all.