New Zealand Rugby
Muliaina hints at move north
Scrum.com
December 9, 2008
Mils Muliaina could join the glut of New Zealand stars lighting up northern hemisphere leagues
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New Zealand full-back Mils Muliaina has admitted that a move to the northern hemisphere may be on the cards when his contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) expires. "I would certainly consider going over there one day," he told the Western Mail. "You would be foolish not to consider it. I'm certainly not getting any younger. My rugby playing days are getting shorter and shorter. I haven't really thought about it in too much in depth yet. I've still got another year left in New Zealand rugby, but to experience something different in a different part of the world is something I would certainly consider. "I would have to start thinking about my future in the next few months or so. Contracts run out pretty fast. I will sit down with my family and plan out where we see ourselves in the next four or five years." Muliaina has been rumoured as a potential target for Cardiff Blues, who are looking for a marquee signing to herald their transition into a new stadium shared with Cardiff City FC at the end of the 2008-09 season. Muliaina would be just that, with 68 caps and 24 tries for the All Blacks and a sparkling reputation as one of the best full-backs in the world game. "I spoke to Doug Howlett when we were over in Munster recently," he said. "I asked him how things were, what the differences were and whether it was harder than Super 14. I've spoken to Luke McAllister - who is at Sale - as well and he is loving it. There are different reasons why players have gone over. But from what I've heard from them they are really enjoying it." "I just think getting away, experiencing something different and seeing the world might be something to consider one day. Over in the UK, you are close to everything and it's so easy to fly around to different spots, whereas in New Zealand you are so far away from things and it's not that cheap to get away." By the time his contract with the NZRU has ended in Muliaina will be 29, and looking a 50/50 bet for the next World Cup in 2011. "I think that will play a big factor in my thinking," he said. "I've had some really niggly injuries and I have to consider whether I can go that far and be an All Black at the top level. It's a question of sitting down and thinking about all those things. It's not a decision I want to take lightly. It's going to be a big one." © Scrum.com
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