All Blacks lock set to become one of world's highest paid players as cashed-up Premiership club goes all-in
The All Blacks‘ imminent post-World Cup exodus is one step closer to coming to fruition, with 106-test prop Owen Franks and 75-test lock Brodie Retallick set to ink a post-World Cup deals in England, according to reports out of Europe.
The Rugby Paper is reporting that Retallick has been offered a £1m-per-season deal to join Premiership side Sale for after the World Cup in a deal which would make the 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year among the highest-paid players on the planet.
It is believed that the 27-year-old is in ‘advanced discussion’ to join the Sharks, where he would join Bristol outside back and former New Zealand teammate Charles Piutau as the biggest earners in the game.
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The report suggested that the possibility of Retallick appearing at the 2023 World Cup is not out of the question, as the deal would be considered a sabbatical-type agreement whereby he would be able to return to New Zealand in time for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Midi Olympique is reporting that 31-year-old Franks has been weighing up offers from Northampton and French glamour club Toulon – who have recently acquired the services of Nehe Milner-Skudder – and is believed to have signed a two-year deal with the Saints, with an option to sign on for a third season.
Franks would link up with brother Ben, who played 47 tests for the All Blacks between 2010 and 2015, former Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd, who took over the coaching duties of the Saints at the conclusion of last year’s Super Rugby campaign, and one-test All Black Matt Proctor, who signed for the club last month.
Retallick and Franks will join a growing contingent of past and present All Blacks plying their trade in England’s top division, with the likes of Lima Sopoaga, Malakai Fekitoa, Steven Luatua, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Piutau and Proctor all moving to the Premiership in recent seasons.
Franks also joins a list of current All Blacks who have rejected offers to play in the Top 14 after the World Cup, with Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, Kieran Read and Ryan Crotty among those to have turned down big-money contracts.
He told Fairfax last November that was yet to make a decision as to whether he would stay in New Zealand or go abroad after the World Cup in Japan.
“I will keep both options alive, I am in no rush – just see how the season plays out next year,” the two-time World Cup winner said at the time.
Midi Olympique is also reporting that All Blacks flyer Waisake Naholo is close to sealing an overseas move after the World Cup, with English clubs London Irish and Wasps the leading candidates for the 27-year-old’s signature.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
13 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
13 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
13 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
13 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
13 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to comments