The Blues may have found their replacement for Jimmy Gopperth for next year's Super 14, in the form of Stephen Brett.
Brett will enter the draft next week, with Dan Carter and the more versatile Colin Slade becoming the Crusaders' 'protected' fly-halves, and will sign either for the Blues or the Highlanders, with the Blues the most likely destination.
Brett has been unhappy with his status at the Crusaders for some time, going as far as to ask for a transfer, and he has now asked to be placed in the draft so he can sign elsewhere. The Crusaders refused the transfer request, but will allow the draft request.
Neither party gave much away on Wednesday, with Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder and Blues CEO Andy Dalton both refusing to comment.
Each franchise has to submit a 24-man first-team squad of Super 14-quality players on Sunday - including a starting XV and full bench, plus two extra. Struggling teams leave gaps for positions they can't fill, in order to pick up overflow from other franchises.
The Highlanders may also have a gap at number ten and may also chase Brett.
"If there are two franchises with the same gap, they both put in their preference from the draft list," Dalton said to the NZ Herald.
"If it is the same player then the NZRU selection panel, Brian Lochore, John Graham and Neil Sorensen, will ring the player and he gets the choice.
"It doesn't happen very often but the players are all told to keep their phones on."
But all parties - including the All Black coaching staff - want Brett to head to Auckland. The squad announcements will be made next Wednesday after the squads are reviewed and the draft is completed on Monday and Tuesday.
Comments
Be the first to comment on this story..