Braid wants All Black consideration

Daniel Braid: Dreaming of the World Cup

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• Queensland Reds

He's only a three-hour flight away, but plying his trade in Queensland still means Daniel Braid is not eligible for All Black selection.

Braid was the first player to sign on with an Australian team as a marquee player under new ARU rules introduced two years ago which allowed Super Rugby franchises to sign foreign players of sufficient calibre.

He was New Zealand Player of the Year in 2007 but saw his form dip after the introduction of the ELVs and then suffered an achilles tendon injury which ruled him out of nearly a season of rugby and scuppered a move to the Scarlets.

His marquee player period ends this year, but Reds coach Ewen McKenzie has asked the ARU to reconsider the rules in light of his vice-captain's new-found form under this year's laws and officiating, and the Melbourne Rebels' unprecedented allowance of 10 overseas players next year.

But he also has some thinking to do, as his ineligible status for All Black selection is weighing on his mind - as is the concept of the New Zealand management not picking overseas-based players.

"The Reds contract was a bit trailblazing," Braid said to Sportal.

"I'm sure the Rebels will get some handy New Zealanders. I like to think I'm making rugby in Australasia more accessible, professional and international."

"Rather than players going to Europe, I want people to play anywhere in Super Rugby but still be eligible for their national side."

The achilles injury came just when he had given up hope on playing international rugby again, but in retrospect, the move to the Scarlets might have caused more stress than it was worth.

"I could have gone up there and had a horrible cold winter and time pressures to get back and play," he said.

"But I was able to resign here and we were able to plan our wedding a lot easier than from the UK and I'm really enjoying it so far."

Braid was not an openside in the mould of the McCaws and Brussows of this world, excelling more in the link play and support roles in the team.

With this year's laws and officiating helping teams build momentum in attack, Braid has begun to flourish again, lending invaluable expertise and support to a young but fast-developing Reds team.

All of which has him now considering whether he might not once again get a tilt at making the New Zealand 2011 Rugby World Cup squad - but one which would mean he would have to leave the Reds.

"If we keep a lot of this year's squad and if I make the decision I want to play in Super 15 then I'd definitely have a look at staying," Braid said.

"If I stay in Australasia then 2011 will definitely be a consideration. It's in the back of my mind because I'm playing Super 14 and against guys that are going to be selected," he said.

"When I moved overseas I put All Blacks to the side and thought 'I'll give it a rest for a few years'. Now, who knows what will happen?"

"My body is right and I had a really good pre-season and I'm as fit and as strong as I was in 2007," Braid said.