Rugby: All Blacks trio tipped to leave for European teams

Israel Dagg. Photo / Brett Phibbs

A leading French based rugby writer believes Israel Dagg, Ben Smith and Aaron Cruden will all leave New Zealand rugby after next year's international season.

The trio are all off contract with New Zealand Rugby next year and are being chased by a number of European clubs.

Rugby journalist Gavin Mortimer told the Radio Sport Breakfast, Dagg is the number one target of big spending Toulon.

Mortimer says Leinster are also interested but they don't have the money to compete with Toulon and he thinks Dagg will move to either Toulon or Bordeaux.

Meanwhile Wallabies coach Michael Cheika fears more Australia players will be lost to cashed-up European club sides.

Second-rower Rory Arnold and centre Tevita Kuridrani are the latest names to be linked with a moves to France with the Brumbies duo reportedly being chased by Toulon and Bordeaux.