Rugby: McAlister plotting Toulouse exit strategy

Luke McAlister hasn't been able to reclaim his All Black jersey. Photo / Getty Images

Toulouse are hunting Luke McAlister, who is thought to be preparing an escape plan should he miss World Cup selection.

The 27-year-old Blues midfielder is one of many on the periphery of World Cup selection being touted across Europe.

McAlister, John Afoa and Neemia Tialata are three of the higher profile men believed to be setting up an offshore move that will be dependent on All Black selection later this year. European clubs are recruiting now and several New Zealanders are trying to strike deals that will allow them to break contracts early if they aren't selected.

Afoa and Tialata are thought to be ready to head offshore even if they play at the World Cup, but McAlister could be looking for a deal where he can effectively safeguard a place in Europe for later in the year - but can still pull out should his international career re-ignite.

McAlister has been linked with Toulouse and, while he is contracted with the New Zealand Rugby Union until 2012, is believed to have a get-out clause that will allow him to leave earlier.

Toulouse, the current Heineken Cup championsand richest club in the world, are looking for a play-making inside back after losong French international David Skrela to Clermont. McAlister's reputation in Europe is golden, having delivered several stand-out performances for Sale between 2007 and 2009. The Manchester club were the surprise package of the Heineken Cup in 2008-2009 and McAlister was instrumental in their defeat of Clermont in France.

A number of clubs tried to sign him when his contract expired in 2009, most notably Toulon. But McAlister was desperate to come home to try to win back his All Black place. His return to date has been entirely forgettable. He's been ravaged by injury and has barely looked a shadow of his former self.

The All Black selectors rushed him back into the set-up in 2009 - something they admit was a mistake - suggesting McAlister remained a player in whom they had faith.

That confidence eroded last year with McAlister missing out to Colin Slade when Dan Carter was injured. He then broke his jaw in October which ruled him out of the end of year tour, although he was only a long shot for selection.

To fulfil his dream of playing in another World Cup, McAlister has an enormous amount of ground to make up during Super 15. Even if he re-discovers his best form, he faces an ominous task in ousting Ma'a Nonu or Sonny Bill Williams from the No12 shirt.

Despite speculation Nonu could leave New Zealand later this year, there is a growing belief he'll extend his contract through to at least 2013. Williams has given no indication what he will do after the World Cup, but the NZRU say their provisional discussions have given them genuine hope they are in the frame to keep him.

McAlister's path to the All Blacks could be blocked for some time and, as he turns 28 later this year, he might feel the time is right to take a major contract with Toulouse while he can.