Rugby: Blackie taps rich new seam

Josh Blackie turns out for Kobe and the Blues. Photo / Supplied

Josh Blackie could set a precedent for New Zealand rugby that could become the norm in years to come.

The 30-year-old returned home to play for the Blues in the Super 14 this year after two seasons with the Kobe Steel club in Japan. He's since gone back to Japan with an eye on returning for more Super rugby around February, depending on whether Kobe make the finals.

It sounds simple, and lucrative, yet no player at that level has previously done it, pushing aside any form of the New Zealand provincial championship. The former Highlander and current Blue may have tapped a rich seam of future earnings.

The closest previous example is Leon MacDonald who came back from Japan after missing just the 2004 Super 14. Chris Jack could do it next year if he returns to South Africa's Western Province for more of the Currie Cup while Benji Marshall was tempted to do it across codes in league.

There's no contractual guarantee Blackie will be selected for next season's Blues squad. However, coach Pat Lam has set out the welcome mat for the experienced openside flanker.

"Over the last three years the Blues have lost close to 50 players from our mix either overseas or through retirement. And while the players coming through have similar or better talents you can't replace that experience," says Lam.

"The plan was for him to make the All Blacks. He then suffered a knee injury and played only a handful of games so the coaches didn't see enough of him. But he had an option in his contract to get out if he didn't make it. If he's available again we'd certainly be keen because he made a big impact for us off the field. It's just unfortunate he didn't get enough time on it."

Blackie admits one more chance for a New Zealand test jersey to add to the sevens jumper he's already earned is plenty of incentive.

"I haven't had extensive talks with the Blues but if it's possible then I'd be keen to make it happen. But the NZRU has its rules and Kobe Steel want bang for their buck as well. If the opportunity's there I'll take it but I don't want to step on too many toes."

While Blackie is a professional in Japan he says there's honour involved too.

"I had a verbal commitment with the club that if I wasn't required by the All Blacks then I'd come back because they've been good to me and I wanted to keep my word. So when I was injured it became an easy choice.

"Off field, they look after you, the accommodation is outstanding and I get three Japanese lessons a week, so in the last 18 months I've been learning a new language. You never know if you might need it in life. It might also help the relationships with my teammates become less superficial."

Blackie's Kobe Steel side includes former Sanzar players Tom Harding, Thinus Delport and Adam Wallace-Harrison and league convert Fraser Anderson. Until their competition proper begins next month, Kobe are involved in pre-season friendlies.