Rugby: Blues may snatch Jack

Homeward-bound Chris Jack is playing in South Africa. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders remain favourites to snare Chris Jack for next season but the Blues can't be ruled out from making a dramatic, late snatch.

The 67-cap lock has already signed a contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union and will be available for 2010 Super 14 selection, despite not playing in this year's Air New Zealand Cup.

Having played eight seasons for the Crusaders before he left for Saracens in 2007, Jack, who has family ties in Tasman, has an obvious emotional bond with the competition's most successful franchise.

However, in a recent interview, Jack, who is currently playing for Western Province in the Currie Cup, said: "I've signed a contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union but it's still up in the air where I'll be playing in the Super 14."

He needs to sign a provincial contract in the next six weeks to determine his franchise eligibility.

He's understood to be talking to Tasman - for whom he played a handful of games in 2006-07 - but there are complications, as the province has an uncertain future.

The NZRU will cut four teams from the current Air New Zealand Cup and Tasman, given that they were going to be culled last year, are seen as one of the most likely victims.

Some consideration also has to be made in regard to the existing depth of locking options at the Crusaders. They have the current All Black first choice pairing of Isaac Ross and Brad Thorn, plus promising youngsters Sam Whitelock and Michael Paterson, although the latter is trying to build a career as a blindside flanker.

If Tasman are unable to agree terms, then Canterbury could step in to ensure that the Crusaders have first dibs on Jack. But they are already aware that they might have to pick up a number of existing Tasman players should their Crusaders' franchise partner be axed - and will come under severe financial pressure.

If Canterbury signed Jack, they would have to hope he made the All Blacks in 2010 as that way the NZRU will pay 75 per cent of his provincial salary.

Canterbury and Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said he wasn't in a position to comment about Jack and Tasman's chief executive Peter Barr didn't return calls.

Both the Hurricanes and Chiefs said they were not in the hunt for Jack and it's doubtful, given his All Black aspirations, he'd be keen on a stint with the Highlanders.

Which leaves the Blues, who are on an aggressive drive for quality players. Chief executive Andy Dalton said he didn't comment on individuals' contracts but it would be a surprise if the franchise has not been in talks.

Lock is an area where the Blues are short of cover. They have All Blacks Ali Williams and Anthony Boric but the former is recovering from major surgery and the latter has barely played this season due to serious injuries.

In their absence, the Blues struggled with Williams' brother Jay and Kurtis Haiu - neither of whom are recognised as being in the top echelon.

Jack would be a welcome addition and the All Black selectors will be keen to see him wash up somewhere he's likely to play regularly.