Ian Foster urges All Blacks not to leave NZR too early

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster says there is a very real fear they might lose key All Blacks, but urges them not to leave too early. Photo / Photosport

All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster is making no secret of the fact his staff are scared of losing a host of in-form players.

Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, and Aaron Cruden have all been rumoured to be hunted by top French clubs with the possibility of them moving away from New Zealand Rugby higher than it's ever been.

And although Foster and his coaching staff are doing all they can, it may not be enough.

"There's a definitely a fear we could lose them," Foster told Newstalk ZB's Tony Veitch.

"We just have to do whatever we can, and say whatever we can, and then we have to give these guys space.

"At the end of the day, these guys are grown-ups. They are making a tough decision and there is no question they love the black jersey."

But despite Foster's sympathy for the trio, he admits part of the conversation has been warning the players not to make a move too early.

"A lot of these guys have the ability to play for another two or three years and then still look at going overseas for a couple of years," he said.

"I think the players that seem to regret it are the guys who go over a little bit early and in two years time find they're still playing great rugby but they've given up on the All Blacks dream."

Foster and his staff, however, are adamant they've put their best foot forward and have ensured the contract staff are working as hard as they can.

"They have a really clear message from us," Foster said.

"It's not easy, but time will tell."