Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea are each set to sign a fresh contract with New Zealand Rugby, through to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, on the proviso they are granted a sabbatical, the New Zealand Herald reports.
The New Zealand Herald reported that Japanese Top 14 club Panasonic, coached by former Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, are leading the chase for the World Rugby World Player of the Year.
The Herald also reported that Chiefs and All Blacks back-rower Liam Messam, a team-mate of Retallick, was understood to be considering a deal with Japanese Top 14 club Toshiba.