New Zealand
New Zealand not fazed by threat of losing stars
ESPN Staff
October 26, 2014
Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are both expected to leave New Zealand rugby following the World Cup © Getty Images
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Like most top-tier nations, New Zealand rugby expect to face a player exodus following the 2015 World Cup with up to six high-profile All Black players expected to end their time in New Zealand, but New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew says he isn't worried by loss of the senior players and also seems keen to ensure they all get a fitting farewell.

Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu, Ma'a Nonu, Tony Woodcock and Conrad Smith are all off contract after the World Cup and are all expected to be targeted by French and English rugby clubs, with Carter and Nonu already on several clubs radars. While McCaw, Woodcock and Mealamu could chose to hang the boots.

"Most of the guys on that list have been incredibly loyal, long-serving contributors to a pretty successful era of All Black rugby. Whatever decision they make next we will respect and celebrate with them," Tew told Fairfax Media. "Some of them may consider staying; some will retire, some will look at France, Japan or elsewhere.

"Our job has been to keep them here as long as we could for that period of time. Whatever they decide to do I want to make sure it's a very dignified and grateful process because they've been great servants of our game."

Despite the huge loss of experience, the All Blacks hardly suffer a lack of depth with several rising stars capable of slotting into the open positions, with All Blacks coach Steve Hansen using his position to focus on building the depth of the All Blacks and so far has uncovered Dane Coles as a rising star alongside Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett as two world class fly-halves.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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