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All Black McAlister up for Sale
11/07/2007 11:52 - (SA)
Christchurch - All Black centre Luke McAlister has confirmed on Wednesday he is seriously considering a move to the English club Sale following this year's World Cup.
But the 23-year-old denied a British report that he has already signed a 250 000 pound contract and said he would not make a decision until the end of the month.
After months of speculation about his future, the inside centre broke his silence during preparations for a crucial Tri-Nations Test against South Africa on Saturday.
"I suppose you could say I'm keen," he said.
"Let's just say I don't want to play in New Zealand the rest of my life. I don't want to go overseas when I'm 30, I'd rather go when I'm younger and experience the world and experience different lifestyles.
"You only get one shot at it and I want to make the most of my rugby career and do things."
McAlister has been wooed by several European clubs, including Biarritz, Toulouse and Leicester, but said he had narrowed the options down to Sale - which recently finished 10th in the 12-team Guinness Premiership.
He is familiar with the area, having grown up in northern England when his father pursued a rugby league career with Oldham, and still has friends there.
"I just think Sale is more appealing. The language obviously was a big thing, the fact I've been to Manchester before I guess helps. They've got a good side there and some good players," he said.
Any contract is likely to be for two years, allowing him to return to New Zealand to fight for a place in the 2011 World Cup team.
Last month All Blacks coach Graham Henry launched a public plea to McAlister to remain in New Zealand, saying he still had plenty to learn and his game would benefit by staying.
"Me and Ted (Henry) had a few words a while back but you can't talk about this all the time. Our focus is the Tri-Nations," he said.
"They all want what's best for me. I know Ted wants what's best for me."
McAlister said the ongoing uncertainty had not affected his concentration on the task at hand with the All Blacks, but suggested it would be a relief when his future was finally confirmed.
The All Blacks must beat South Africa on Saturday and Australia the following week if they are to retain their Tri-Nations crown.
- AFP
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