Evans in line for Ulster move as Carter ponders European switch
Both players have told NZRU officials they are likely to stay on in Europe following the All Blacks’ Grand Slam tour in November.
Carter and Evans have been bombarded with offers from European clubs since the World Cup, with Evans expected to make a decision in the next few weeks. He’s understood to have offers to play in England with Harlequins and Wales with Newport Gwent Dragons, while Ulster are understood to have made a very attractive offer which is 125,000 per annum higher than the Quins offer.
Carter’s situation is expected to take longer to resolve, and the NZRU may consider offering him a sabbatical period so he can play in Europe next year while remaining contracted to the national body.
The NZRU is aware that the financial power of top European clubs is too much to compete against — reports in France suggest Carter has been offered €750,000 a season — so it trying to be more flexible with player contracts, hoping Carter might opt for a brief stint in Europe to sample the lifestyle and recharge mentally before returning, possibly in time to play in the 2010 Super 14.
Evans is believed to have put his future plans on hold until Carter made his intentions known — if Carter leaves New Zealand at the end of the year, Evans would then have an opportunity to establish himself as the All Blacks’ first choice No 10.
The NZRU has lobbied the New Zealand government to institute a similar tax regime to Ireland, where professional sportspeople enjoy tax rebates if they spend the majority of their careers in Ireland.
Meanwhile Ewen McKenzie will not be interviewed for the Ireland job as the New South Wales Waratahs coach already has his eyes set on replacing Fabien Galthie as the top man at French club, Stade Francais.
McKenzie is in Paris today to meet with Stade Francais owner Max Guazzini about the prospect of coaching the Top 14 side from next season.
McKenzie’s contract with the Super 14 franchise will not be renewed at the end of the season, and the Aussie is anxious to tie down a high profile position for next season.
The ‘Tahs have a Super 14 match against the Lions in Sydney this weekend but McKenzie was given permission to travel to the northern hemisphere for possible contract talks with the flamboyant Stade Francais owner.
McKenzie had been touted as a possible replacement for Eddie O’Sullivan having been overlooked for the Wallabies job which was handed to Robbie Deans before Christmas.
“I have to work out what I am going to do and sort it out,” he told a Sydney newspaper. “I am not a player. The player market is usually in one state or country or whatever. Unfortunately my opportunity is in a place that’s less convenient.
“I have got three kids and some big bills to pay. So I have to make sure (my future) is sorted. I tried to pick a week that is the least obtrusive. Everyone (at NSW Rugby) is on board.”
One of the key officials involved in the search for Ireland’s new rugby head coach has dismissed reports claiming that a three-man shortlist, including two potential overseas candidates and Munster’s Declan Kidney, has already been drawn up.
Noel Murphy, who is a member of the five-man committee entrusted with the responsibility to find Eddie O’Sullivan’s successor, said yesterday: “What the writer had in the paper came from himself. It certainly didn’t come any of us who are involved in the process. I don’t know where he got the details.”
Murphy did not wish to make any further comment on whether or not a new coach will be in place for the two-Test summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.
Indications are that an interim management could be put in place for the Tests in Wellington on June 7 and Melbourne on June 14.
“A lot of areas need to be looked at,” added Murphy.
“I’d rather not say at the moment when we’d have a man in place or. I’d prefer not to make any comment .We are keeping our counsel on this.”
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