Chiefs' secret ploy to lure future Wallabies

The Chiefs held a secret training session with up to two dozen of Australia's most talented rugby stars in Brisbane. Photo / Getty

Sydney's Daily Telegraph is calling it one of the most brazen trans-Tasman recruitment ploys in history.

The newspaper reports that the Chiefs held a secret training session with up to two dozen of Australia's most talented rugby stars in Brisbane on Thursday night with a view to poaching some.

The Chiefs are in Brisbane to play the Reds tonight, but used the opportunity to scout budding young superstars who could play Super Rugby in New Zealand and go on to represent the All Blacks.

The "Chiefs Combine" was organised by the New Zealand conference leaders and an Australian player agent at Souths Brisbane Rugby Club and featured a host of talented stars between 17 to 21 years, some who were flown from interstate.

The Chiefs had requested that all players involved were eligible to represent New Zealand in future.

Those present at the scouting session told us they were extremely impressed by the Chiefs' vision.

One attendee said he would have no problem switching allegiance to New Zealand despite playing most of his junior rugby in Australia.

"I just want to get the best opportunity in rugby, whether that is here or in New Zealand," said the player, who asked to remain anonymous.

"Obviously I have roots in New Zealand and every Kiwi dreams of playing for the All Blacks."

The ARU and Australian franchises will be fuming about the prospect of some of their best talent being poached from right under their noses.