Despite being on the shopping list of some big-name overseas clubs, Crusaders scrum-half Andy Ellis is determined to stay in New Zealand and fight to regain his All Blacks jersey.
Ellis has been out of favour at international level since Steve Hansen took over the reins as All Blacks coach from Graham Henry and will be out of contract after this year's Super Rugby tournament.
But the 28-year-old, who has been offered a new contract by the New Zealand Rugby Union, is determined to stay with the Crusaders and prove to Hansen that he deserves a recall to the All Black set-up.
"I'm still sorting through it (the NZRU contract) but I'm really keen to stay," Ellis told Fairfax Media.
"I love playing here for Canterbury and the Crusaders. At this stage - yes. I want to wear the black jersey again. That is a big goal.
"They (the NZRU) have made an offer and once this Christmas period has settled down I will have a good sit down and get it sussed out
Although a move overseas is not what Ellis desires, he admits that several overseas-based clubs are interested in acquiring his services.
"I have never really put any feelers out there but there has been some interest... and some pretty awesome clubs, too," he added.
"I am only 28. I still want to be playing into my mid-30s and seven or so years is a long time to spend away from home.
"And the other thing is I reckon I will be playing my best rugby for the next three years. I don't want to be doing that overseas, I want to be doing that here in New Zealand."
Comments
ArmchairGeneral says...
Weepu does a good haka though.
Posted 19:55 29th January 2013
markpat says...
As an impartial viewer, I'm amazed that Ellis wasn't in the squad anyway. As various people ahs mentioned, he very rarely puts in anything other than a good performance and surely his understanding with Carter must be a plus for him?
Even going forward, I'd have Perenara & Smith as my 1-2, with Ellis as my #3 and Kerr-Barlow as a future prospect who still needs to reduce his bad games to go alongside his outstanding ones.
I would most definitely NOT have Weepu - for every good game, his has 7-8 average ones and one or two terrible ones. The reasoning that he covers 10 as well is pretty lame, especially with some decent fly half and utility options now.
Posted 15:32 29th January 2013
PREEST says...
TJ Perenara should have been chosen over Kerr-Barlow. He wasn't too good in the few appearances he made for the ABs, and I was far more impressed with Perenara in the super15 than I was with Kerr-Barlow.
My pick going forward (depending on Super Rugby form) would be Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara.
Posted 13:04 29th January 2013
olepete says...
NZ needs someone who can play behind a losing pack - Smith can't, but can Ellis? When I think of Piri I remember his near match-losing performance in the RWC final.
Posted 10:17 29th January 2013
ironmanI441 says...
I think the MIB are looking for the 2015 WC and Smith and Kerr-Barlow are the future with Weepu being only 31 in 2015 he provides double coverage at 9/10 and has proven he has the mentality to take over the responsibility in big WC games (33 points between the 1/4 and Semi). Then when you also have Peranara pushing hard, I think it is going to be a big task to get the management to take Ellis even if he is performing. He is going to need for 2/3 of the above to have some serious falls in form before he will be making the squad on a regular occasion.
Posted 09:33 29th January 2013
cuw3100 says...
The issue IMHO is WEEPU! the MIB Management prefer to have him because he can cover both scrum and fly half, as was the case in the RWC. Can think of only Fred Michelack (pardon spelling) who provides such versatality. So it seems, one position for SH is always penned down, just like 7 & 8 & 13 & 15. :)
Posted 08:28 29th January 2013
UBA05 says...
Andy Ellis always performs at a very high level for both the Crusaders and Canterbury, always very visionary on attack and reliable and hardworking on D. controls the game very well too.
I think it was absolutely ridiculous with his performances last season that he wasnt involved with he ABs, more so because the ''pie eating one' was. I can undersand the coaches wanting to try out new talent but retaining Weepu for only his experience (to help Smith out) and as a sign of faith for his world cup "heroics"???
That reason was almost as ridiculous as Weepu's waistline
Posted 08:18 29th January 2013
cdn_content says...
I disagree, those other guys are definitely very talented, but Ellis has a a deft touch of skill and really controls the game very well. The ABS may want a tempo changer and he's a good one.
Posted 23:42 28th January 2013
missionary says...
Gibson-Park is pants. TKB isn't much better. Physical yes, but Ellis is superior to both of these guys. Peranara is the real comer and will push Smith and Weepu.
Posted 23:08 28th January 2013
ArmchairGeneral says...
Admirable. Ignoring the Euro sirens. Even more so if there is young rivalry to make it hard. Johnny Sexton take note!
Posted 23:04 28th January 2013
Isograford says...
No chance Andy. Halfback hasn't been NZ's strongest area in recent years, but now there's a brace of talented youngsters coming through, arguably with more sheer talent than Aaron Smith, let alone Ellis.
The likes of Tawara Kerr-Barlow, Tj Peranara and the Blues Jamison Gibson-Park are all great prospects.
Posted 17:51 28th January 2013