Devan Flanders will leave the Hurricanes at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season after confirming a move to Japan, bringing an end to his ambitions of representing the All Blacks.
The 26-year-old loose forward has been one of the Hurricanes’ standout performers this season, starting their first nine matches and playing a key role in their push to the top of the standings.
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While the club did not disclose details of his next destination, reports suggest Flanders has accepted a lucrative three-year deal – a growing trend among New Zealand players seeking better financial opportunities abroad.
Challenge
According to the Stuff website, Super Rugby players who aren’t All Blacks earn a maximum of NZ$195 000 (R.19 million) under the collective agreement with NZ Rugby, plus NPC deals of up to NZ$55 000 (R540 000).
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw previously acknowledged the challenge of retaining top domestic talent, particularly those outside the All Blacks set-up, where overseas offers can far exceed local contracts.
Flanders’ departure is especially significant given his strong form, which had placed him firmly in contention for higher honours after touring with the All Blacks XV last year.
In a statement, the Hastings-born forward thanked the club and its supporters, describing Wellington as his “second home” and expressing pride in his time with the franchise.
Laidlaw praised Flanders’ contribution, calling him “a true Hurricane” and confirming the club would always welcome him back.
Flanders leaves with 66 appearances for the Hurricanes and 77 for Hawke’s Bay, and could still cap his final season with silverware as the side continues its title charge.
Growing list of players leaving
His exit adds to a growing list of New Zealand players heading offshore at season’s end, underlining ongoing concerns about player retention in the modern professional game.
Other Hurricanes to confirm end-of-season moves offshore include winger Fehi Fienanganofo (Newcastle Red Bulls, UK), Riley Higgins (Edinburgh) and Isaia Walker-Leawere (Benetton Treviso, Italy).
Across New Zealand rugby there are a number high-profile departures at season’s end.
Among them are Blues trio Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu and AJ Lam; Crusaders All Blacks Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor and Dallas McLeod, and Chiefs speedster Etene Nanai-Seturo.
The current New Zealand Rugby policy in place is not to select overseas-based players.
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