New Zealand Rugby looks to lock in young talent

Under attack from pillaging, cashed-up foreign clubs, New Zealand Rugby is vowing to strike back against the All Blacks exodus trend through a carefully mapped out future-proofing plan...The main concern is around [those] in the 17-strong group of All Blacks yet to be secured beyond the global tournament in September and October, many of whom could form the core of the national side for the next four years.

For Chris Lendrum, the former lawyer turned NZR contracting kingmaker, the priority is locking in the next generation.

The likes of world player of the year Brodie Retallick, Julian Savea, Patrick Tuipulotu, Charles Piutau, Sam Cane, Malakai Fekitoa and Steven Luatua are essential targets as NZR looks to sign the backbone of the team that will host the British and Irish Lions in 2017 and, ultimately, contest the 2019 World Cup.

In a perfect world all of those players, along with Jerome Kaino, will join future captain Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock, Ben Smith, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Owen Franks and Charlie Faumuina, who have committed for the next three years...

...Retaining players on the fringe of the All Blacks, such as Victor Vito, Ryan Crotty and Colin Slade, who also come off contract this year, could prove more difficult.

Each All Black receives $7,500 per-week while in camp, which equates to around $120,000 annually. Missing that portion naturally sways decisions on whether to stay or go. It also explains why mid-tier talent, such as Frank Halai, Tom Marshall and Luke Braid, have the ability to double their earnings abroad.

"It's not a perfect system," Lendrum said. "Generally speaking a player in that [mid-tier] category, they're potentially doubling their income, before you take into account the benefits of the tax system, depending on where they are going.

"For players it can be revolutionary from a life perspective. These guys are acutely aware that the lifespan of a professional rugby player can be limited. You fight against that bird-in-hand scenario.

"It's not as if the money is poor here. In fact it's very good. But overseas for two or three years can make a big difference."