New Zealand Rugby
Rokocoko turns down Toulon switch
Scrum.com
July 18, 2010
New Zealand wing Joe Rokocoko, New Zealand v South Africa, Tri-Nations, Eden Park, Auckland, July 10, 2010
All Blacks winger Joe Rokocoko has set his sights on further international honours © Getty Images
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New Zealand winger Joe Rokocoko has reportedly turned down a big money move to French Top 14 side Toulon.

The 27-year-old speedster, who missed the All Blacks 31-17 win over South Africa in Wellington due to a hamstring injury, rejected the lucrative offer from Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal in favour of fighting for further international honours. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that Rokocoko was offered a four-year deal worth A$1m (£568,000) a year but it was not enough to lure him to the south of France.

"I'm standing firm on my decision to try to make this team again and I'm pretty disappointed I'm not playing this weekend as well because I want to make sure my spot is still in this team," Rokocoko told the newspaper.

Rokocoko, who is off contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union in November, is determined to add to his 63 Test caps that have also brought an incredible 45 tries. ''That's the commitment I've set,'' he said. ''I've committed for another four to five months to the NZRU and that's what it says in my contract and this is my sole focus.

''There are going to be things like that which pop in and out from overseas, especially with clubs knowing players might be quite vulnerable right now - even more so with players who miss out on playing for their international team.

When asked if he expected to re-sign with the NZRU, Rokocoko added, ''It all depends on whether they want me - that's the whole thing at the moment. 'I'm just waiting on the NZRU and seeing what they want to do. It's all in their hands, really."

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