'Overlooked' Brett spying Toulon?
Sat, 20 Sep 2008 11:30
Canterbury and Crusaders flyhalf Stephen Brett has not ruled out joining the talent exodus to Europe after being linked with a move to Tana Umaga's French club Toulon.
A television report on Friday linked the 22-year-old to a potential shift to France, while Brett responded by telling the Christchurch Press he had "spoken to a few people" about playing overseas.
The television report suggested Brett, who is off contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) at the end of 2008, would pursue an overseas contract if he failed to make the All Blacks' November tour to Hong Kong, the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland.
Brett however denied the said claim, but was noncommittal about his rugby future.
"I've just got to keep these things close to myself," said Brett.
Brett is the logical choice to replace Daniel Carter as the Crusaders flyhalf, when the All Black pivot joins French club Perpignan on a six-month deal in December.
Before this year's Test season, Brett was seen as a potential All Black midfield replacement for Aaron Mauger and Luke McAlister, though preference went to Hurricanes' Ma'a Nonu and Carter's back-up Stephen Donald.
Brett's fortunes took their first dip in May this year when Crusaders coach Robbie Deans preferred to play Tim Bateman outside Carter - who Brett happened to play alongside for the New Zealand Maori in the Pacific Nations Cup.
