'They've got plenty of dough': New Zealand Rugby stars name the European clubs they would 'love' to join
When it comes to choosing an overseas club to play for at a certain point in a player's career, there are no shortage of options for those based in New Zealand.
Players from across the country have departed for offshore clubs in their droves since the dawn of professionalism, with the riches on offer in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and Japan often far better than the pay packages available in New Zealand.
For Crusaders and North Harbour halfback Bryn Hall, though, it's the title-winning success that has become synonymous with Saracens over the past decade that has made the London club the overseas team he would like to join the most.
Speaking to the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, the Maori All Blacks representative revealed that interactions with Saracens stars during New Zealand's COVID-19 lockdown was enough to sway him in favour of the five-time English and three-time European champions.
“I’d love to go to Saracens," Hall said when asked what overseas club he would like to play for if the opportunity presented itself.
"During the COVID break, we were actually pretty lucky to actually talk to the Saracens boys and had some Zoom calls with them."
Seemingly unfazed by Saracens' salary cap scandal that has seen them relegated to the RFU Championship for the 2020-21 season, Hall suggested he was eager to continue the title-winning run he's enjoyed since joining the Crusaders three years ago.
“I see that team, they’ve got a lot of success around them, some quality players there, so if it was in Europe, Saracens would be a pretty cool spot.”
By comparison, Hall's North Harbour teammate James Parsons said if he was to head overseas, he would like to play at a club that features a number of his former Blues teammates.
The veteran hooker pinpointed Premiership club Bristol Bears as one of his preferred destinations due to the presence of ex-Blues personnel such as utility back Charles Piutau, loose forward Steven Luatua, prop John Afoa, lock Chris Vui and director of rugby Pat Lam.
“I’d absolutely love to go join my Blues alumni at Bristol," Parsons said. "They look like they have plenty of fun when they play.
“They’ve got plenty of dough. It’s all spent, though, so I’ll be going for nothing, but yeah, that looks like a bit of fun."
" Parsons said.
“I think anywhere in France would be pretty cool. I think it would be pretty cool experiencing their culture and the way they do things over there. Obviously they love a scrum, so that suits me.”
While the idea of playing in France appeals to Parsons, Hall seemed more reluctant on plying his trade in the Top 14 due to the language barrier that would come with moving to a non-English-speaking country.
The 28-year-old said his role as a halfback is heavily dependant on communication, which would prove to be difficult as he isn't able to speak French.
“I’d find it [in] France… being a halfback and game management is massive, and communication is massive. I think going to France, it would be an awesome lifestyle experience, I reckon, but… I’d have to learn French.”
Parsons, however, urged Hall to reconsider his stance on the matter, saying that learning the language and understanding the culture is all part of the experience of playing in a foreign country.
He highlighted former All Blacks playmaker Luke McAlister, who spent seven years playing for Toulouse, Toulon and Clermont, as an example of someone who flourished both on and off the field during their time in France.
“I think that’s what it’s about. You sort of look at the players that have immersed themselves in the culture, became long lost sons of the place, look at Luke McAlister," Parsons said. "He was over there for a number of years, he’s speaking fluent [French].
“I think that’s part of the experience, learning the language and the culture and just going all in. No point going over there half-arsed, Bryn. Get into that culture, mate.”
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It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
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