Editorial: Ranger's brave decision

Fatherhood does strange things to a man. Often, for the better.

Northland rugby player Rene Ranger has turned down the opportunity to play for the All Blacks, to spend more time at home with family, before heading to France to play for Montpellier.

Ranger and his partner have a 4-month-old daughter.

He has decided being with his family is more important than playing for the All Blacks, before he goes to France.

An in-form player saying "no thanks" to an All Black jersey is unheard of. But in the professional era, why shouldn't a player be able to say no, without negative repercussions?

In Ranger's case, he discussed it with the All Black coaches, who clearly respected his decision.

He has burned no bridges.

At 26, Ranger has worked hard to get back in the All Blacks. He has made mental, physical and positional changes since he first represented his country as a winger.

Now, he is a centre/utility with a Richie McCaw-like talent for snaffling turnover ball in the tackle. And sacré bleu - he turned down the chance to play for the All Blacks as part of his preparation for heading to Montpellier? The French fans are going to love that. Vive la Rene.

Sometimes, life is about more than rugby, and Ranger has sent that message to aspiring rugby players on the up.

Sure, work hard, covet the All Black jersey, take the big offshore contracts, but family comes first.

And at 26, Ranger has plenty of time to come home and make the All Blacks again.

Rugby players are often reluctant role models, and New Zealand places far too much celebrity emphasis on our sports stars.

It's the downside of having a relatively small celebrity pool in this goldfish bowl of a nation.

But it's still great to see someone like Ranger swimming against the current.