Outstanding flanker Glen Marsh is the latest high-quality player tipped for an overseas contract.
While the New Zealand Rugby Football Union says there is no ultimatum that those chosen for the All Blacks or NZ A this weekend have extended contracts, sources within the rugby world say there is that indication.
"All
players under contract for the duration of tours will be considered for selection," NZRFU lawyer Steve Cottrell said yesterday.
However, the selectors had the discretion to make judgments about the future, especially when they chose a side such as NZ A.
The common rule was that players had to be on contract at the time of selection and for the period of the projected tour or competition.
It is understood Marsh would qualify under that criterion, but his failure to re-sign for 2001 and his interest in going to Japan next season, may dissuade the selectors from choosing him.
That assumption was travelling round the rugby fraternity yesterday as fanatics tried to make their own choices for the twin 26-strong groups, to be picked on Sunday.
After revelations that Alama Ieremia was joining fellow All Black Josh Kronfeld on the overseas trail next season, national coach Wayne Smith said loose forward Filo Tiatia was also a target.
The burly No 8 is being wooed by Japan and as word of that escalated, the prospect of Marsh going the same direction became more apparent.
It appears Marsh will head offshore, like his twin brother, Tony, did several years ago, disillusioned at his rugby progress within New Zealand, but buoyed by the chance of securing his financial future.
The 29-year-old Marsh has stayed with Counties Manukau during some difficult times and has been an outstandingly consistent performer for them and the Chiefs.
He missed selection in the shadow NZ A side mid-year which did not get to play Fiji because of the coup. Justin Collins and Matua Parkinson made that squad as openside flankers and after that it seems Marsh thought more about an overseas career.
