By CHRIS RATTUE
Bruce Reihana and Danny Lee have left, and the Chiefs could be about to also lose their star prop Deacon Manu.
Reihana, 26, who played for the Wayne Smith-coached All Blacks against France in Marseilles and Italy in Genoa two years ago, said at the weekend he would
join Smith's Northampton club in England.
Chiefs coach Kevin Greene expressed disappointment last night that Reihana had not figured in All Blacks selections, and Waikato coach Ian Foster described Reihana's decision as a "huge blow."
Reihana, who is in the Commonwealth Games sevens squad, will be available for the NPC season before starting his 2 1/2 year English contract.
Halfback Lee quit Counties Manukau to join Otago and the Highlanders, although a loan agreement is still to be worked out for this NPC season.
It is also understood that New Zealand Maori prop Manu is considering an offer to quit Waikato and move to a union in another New Zealand Super 12 franchise.
Greene said the Chiefs might use the draft to replace a player of Reihana's ability. The New Zealand Rugby Union wanted the country's best players in the Super 12 teams.
"After his Super 12 and Maori form, I thought Bruce was right up there in the All Blacks frame.
"I'm disappointed, but I understand him chasing the dollars. We can't compete with the money in Europe and Japan.
"I thought Bruce was the one guy who really lifted his professionalism, work ethic and performance this year. He plays fullback and wing, and when Jeff Wilson left, I thought he might be in.
"Nothing against those who were selected, but I felt Bruce deserved better."
Foster said: "Bruce is a great example to youngsters. Rugby has given him direction in life. He started off as a skinny runt who has thrived in professional rugby."
Reihana said he made the decision in the best interests of his family - wife Liana and their three children.
"The England offer was too hard to refuse."
He said it was "a little bit disappointing" that he was not selected for the All Blacks.
"But I've done the best I can this year and rugby's obviously only a short part of my career."
