Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton has said that he has verbally agreed to stay with the Wellington-based franchise.
Eaton said although he has reached agreement with Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett, he has not signed a contract and admitted that there is a slight chance he could move overseas instead.
"I have verbally agreed to be back at the Hurricanes, but I haven't put pen to paper yet," Eaton told the Sunday News.
"I have really enjoyed playing for Taranaki and the Hurricanes and I don't want to leave, but I will assess things over the summer.
"I am getting old and I'll try to make some money out of my career while I can."
The 30-year-old All Black has one year remaining on his current deal with Taranaki but has a release clause in that contract.
"I have got options to leave if that's the way I decide, but if I am in New Zealand I want to play for the Hurricanes and Taranaki," he said.
"They're the two teams that have looked after me the most and I like to be loyal and give back to them as much as I can.
"I have really enjoyed the past year with both teams."
Eaton's current situation is vastly different to what it was a year ago. Initially he was not offered a contract by the Hurricanes at the end of the 2011 season and there were rumours he was on his way to the Crusaders.
But Hammett eventually changed his mind and Eaton stayed on for his eighth season with the franchise.
"It's a huge difference over the way things have transpired over the last 12 months," he said.
"There is a completely different environment in the Hurricanes from this year to last year and I like to think I was a part of that.
"I'd like to continue that and it is pleasing not having to ask around for a job and pleading with people.
"It's not very nice and this is a much better situation to be in."
Comments
tha_mai says...
5Lock4ward - the Wales offer came to nothing - earlier PR story here says there was 'interest': http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,15994_7786268,00.html
He's having a good season with Taranaki too, at 30 no sign of slowing think this year has been one of his best.
Posted 11:23 25th September 2012
bk47 says...
Such a shame the bad knee injuries eaton has had over the last few years have squashed any chance of putting on the black jersey again. While still good in the air and around the park, he has lost alot of pace/speed which made him so good early on in his career. Wouldnt blame him to head overseas to get some money.
Posted 11:21 25th September 2012
sandal says...
Good man. It's pleasing to see someone in the Canes provinces staying loyal, rather than heading to the Chiefs.
He played some good rugby this year, too.
Posted 01:55 25th September 2012
5Lock4ward says...
Didn't I read a report a few months back that he'd signed w/ Scarlets in Wales?
Posted 01:12 25th September 2012