Exodus
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Not sure what they are saying, not a very coherent article, but Sam signing for Toulon - it is not clear if this is for a sabbatical or full time - hopefully the first!
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More from the rumour mill: Sam Whitelock
All Blacks Sam Whitelock and Nehe Milner-Skudder appear set to play for Toulon after next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan. Whitelock has been linked to the French club since February 2017, and speculation both he and Milner-Skudder are on the verge of signing has ramped up.Whitelock, who has played 107 tests for the All Blacks, is contracted to New Zealand Rugby through 2020, and is understood to be in talks with NZR regarding a new four-year contract. Any new deal would certainly include a sabbatical clause, and the 30-year-old hasn't hid the fact his future might include a stint in Japan, an option more New Zealanders are considering over Europe. The lock will again captain the Crusaders in next year's Super Rugby campaign, although there is a chance he will take an extended break after the northern-tour. It could see him miss the first month of the competition, although coach Scott Robertson said "nothing is definite" until he has spoken to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen later this year. Whitelock has got through a power of work this year, leading the Crusaders to a second Super title on the bounce, and shouldering an increased load for the national side with Brodie Retallick hindered by injury. Word he and Milner-Skudder are off to Toulon follows news fullback Ben Smith has reportedly agreed to join French club Pau on a short-term deal after next year's World Cup. French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique reported the deal was as good as done last week, and said the Highlanders co-captain would then head to Japan. -
If Sam wants another 4 years in Black, based on the evidence of this year, he needs less games, not more. Give him a sabbatical, then give him the rest of the year off.
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@machpants would think if he is in negotiations with NZR, then it will be a sabbatical, but his workload needs to be managed better.
I have no issues, he has earnt special treatment form NZR that allows him to head off and earn half a mill+ for a season or so.
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@mariner4life That depends. From what I understand, Japanese rugby isn't that demanding, so a short stint in the Top League wouldn't be too bad. French rugby is another story.
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@taniwharugby said in Exodus 2019:
@machpants would think if he is in negotiations with NZR, then it will be a sabbatical, but his workload needs to be managed better.
I have no issues, he has earnt special treatment form NZR that allows him to head off and earn half a mill+ for a season or so.
surely he would be on more than that now?
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@bovidae said in Exodus 2019:
BFA had a short-term sabbatical where he was paid to not play and spend more time with the family. I'm sure Whitelock could do the same thing.
and spend the entire time reminding how he is far and away the best player in the family.
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@mariner4life am sure he is, just putting a number up...although I guess on a sabbatical it'd be more icing to add to his NZR contract anyway?
But yeah, buggar off and spend 6 months doing fuck all would be a better bet for him.
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@jauzy019 said in Exodus 2019:
Hello guys, i'm looking for "unlucky" players omitted from Super Rugby squads in 2019, especially at lock and midfield. Thank you
SNAKE!! we got a snake here!!!
Out with you snake!!
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Given the double season in Japan in 2020 I think we'll see players going there before Europe as the stress on the body will be less and decent cash
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Kieran Read will be part of Exodus 2019. I hope someone called Bill makes an appearance at his All Blacks leaving party:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12153275
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A Wasps recruitment effort in Battersea earlier this evening?
Lima Sopoaga (@LimaSopoaga) Tweeted:
Familiar faces in new places. The brothers are in town 🙌🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/F6BxL0Dn2j -
man Lima is small!
