Life's rich tapestry encompasses much more than a rugby field or a netball court. Nonetheless, New Zealanders remain ill at ease when talented sportsmen and women place other priorities ahead of playing for a national team. As much was reinforced when Luke McAlister and Temepara George decided toput lifestyle considerations ahead of representing the All Blacks and the Silver Ferns.
McAlister, at just 23, will play for English club Sale after the World Cup. His talent, first revealed on the international stage only last year, had made him the logical All Black second five-eighths for some time to come. George, at 31, has probably played her most dynamic netball but was still regarded as an important cog in the Silver Ferns' campaign to retain their title as world champions. Instead, she is shifting to Queensland to be with her partner.
Both have decided there are more important things in life than their sporting careers. In such circumstances, appeals to patriotism and suchlike serve little purpose. They have weighed up what is important to them, and made life-changing decisions. Even if they could be prevailed upon to suddenly change their minds, their efforts in the national colours would be half-hearted.
There is, however, a flip side to this, which neither has acknowledged. George spoke vaguely of playing for the Silver Ferns again, and McAlister seems intent on returning to the All Black colours after his two years overseas. In all likelihood, in neither case will this happen. Time will have passed George by, while McAlister's skills will have stagnated.
That is the way of sport. Players have a relatively brief window in which to make the most of their talent. McAlister and George have shortened theirs of their own volition. In their case, lifestyle has been the winner.
