Weepu weighing up move to France

Weepu weighing up move to France

21st April 2010 12:14

Seasoned Hurricanes and All Blacks scrum-half Piri Weepu has admitted he is seriously considering taking up an offer to move to France next year.

Weepu's contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) expires at the end of the year and in a recent radio interview, he admitted that it was likely he would be heading North before the 2011 World Cup - unless he was sure of a place in the New Zealand side.

The 26-year-old said he would meet with the All Blacks coaching staff before making a decision but added that he'd had interest from at least one French club and would make a call before the end of his deal with the NZRU.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has stated on numerous occasions that Weepu was seen as a specialist impact player - he has started fourteen of his last fifteen Tests from the bench - and with a spot in the starting XV not looking likely, the 32-cap All Black is tempted by a move overseas before the market gets flooded with quality players post-World Cup.

"I'll sit down and talk it all over with the ABs (All Blacks) coaches and see where I stand, and see whether I'm going to be a shot or not," Weepu told Newstalk ZB.

"You always want to get their feeling on how you've been going and what's been going good for you.

"I guess I'm getting to the stage where I'm coming to the end of my career soon, I've got to look out for myself and make sure I set myself up for life after rugby. If it's playing offshore, then so be it."

It's doubtful that Henry will give Weepu any guarantees after recently telling a media gathering that New Zealand had "some depth" at scrum-half, "without having an outstanding individual."