Super Rugby: Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee refutes Japan-bound Otere Black's claim that no New Zealand franchise were interested in signing him

Otere Black has decided to leave the Blues for a potentially lucrative contract in Japan. Photo / Photosport

Japan-bound Blues playmaker Otere Black's claim that no New Zealand Super Rugby clubs were interested in signing him has been thrown into doubt by Hurricanes CEO Avan Lee, who says Black was always determined to leave the country.

Earlier this week, Black announced his signing with Japanese club NTT Shining Arcs, ending seven years of professional rugby in New Zealand during which the 26-year-old has only just seemed to hit his peak.

Black enjoyed a strong year playing for the Blues in Super Rugby Aotearoa and Transtasman, guiding the Auckland franchise to their first piece of silverware in 18 years, while also helping the Māori All Blacks to successive wins over Manu Samoa.

And while clubs such as the Hurricanes look thin at the first-five position heading into the 2022 season, Black told the What A Lad podcast on Monday that he had reached out to local franchises, only to be told he was surplus to requirements.

"Obviously at the Blues, they've got Beaudy (Beauden Barrett) coming back, they've got Harry [Plummer] there, they've got Stevie (Stephen Perofeta) there. I would have loved to stay but in terms of playing-wise, I think it would have been a little bit harder to get consistent minutes like I've had over the last two seasons so I sort of weighed that up and I was like, 'well, if I'm staying in New Zealand, I probably won't be at the Blues, realistically'.

"I tested a few waters in New Zealand but no one wanted me."

"Everyone's pretty much full," Black added. "I sort of asked around and asked my agent if there were really any spots in New Zealand, because I feel like maybe I've got a little bit more to offer before going overseas, but everyone's pretty much full up… and I've got a young family now to look after. That sort of made the decision a little bit easier."

Otere Black has decided to leave the Blues for a potentially lucrative contract in Japan. Photo / Photosport

While it's unclear whether the Hurricanes were one of the clubs Black or his agent spoke to, Lee told the Newstalk ZB that it was common knowledge that signing Black was never a possibility and he wasn't aware of any communication between the two parties.

"I think the market was very aware of what Otere's plans were and he was definitely going offshore post this season.

"Otere's had a great time with us and now also with the Blues but no, he was very set on going overseas so we wish him all the best."

One possible explanation for why the Hurricanes were not an option for Black is the club is set on signing another first five-eighth.

Whoever the Hurricanes do have in mind to fill the role of senior playmaker ahead of New Zealand Under-20s representatives Ruben Love and Aidan Morgan, Lee indicated negotiations with them were well underway.

"We will absolutely look to bring someone in and that process is quite well-advanced," Lee said. "There's definitely going to be another first-five added to that mix ... so that's exciting."

Meanwhile, the last chance for New Zealand rugby fans to witness Otere Black in action will be in the upcoming NPC where he will don the blue and gold for the Bay of Plenty Steamers.