Super Rugby
Stephen Brett could answer Crusaders' call
ESPN Staff
April 25, 2015
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Stephen Brett has emerged as a potential fly-half option for the Crusaders as they prepare for the departures of playmakers Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor.

The seven-time champions are without an established first-five for next season with Slade and Carter joining French clubs Racing Metro and Pau, respectively, while one-Test fly-half Taylor will join Bayonne.

Brett however is considering making the opposite move and returning to the franchise where he first began his Super Rugby career before shifting to the Blues in the search for greater opportunities. The Christchurch local said he was yet to hear from the Crusaders but conceded a return to his home town carried significant appeal.

"I still have aspirations back in New Zealand, I want to play my 50 games for the Crusaders but it is just a matter of working out whether they want me first," Brett told Fairfax Media.

"I am yet to hear from them, whether they are looking at me as an option. If I get a call from Hamish (chief executive Hamish Riach) or RJ (high performance manager Richard Smith) I would be keen to have a look at going back. They know I am available and will get in touch if they feel they need to. I still have some good friends at the Crusaders and would love to go back and play with them again."

The 29-year-old had battled a debilitating knee injury early in his career but is now free from pain after undergoing special treatment in the United States.

"When I was back in New Zealand I was having problems with my knee and was getting injections every week but I had some treatment in America and ever since I have been playing in Japan and over here (in France) I haven't had those problems," Brett said. "I can't get over the game of rugby as quick as I used to but I still feel good."

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