Nelson - The decision of All Blacks flyhalf Colin Slade to head to Europe after the Rugby World Cup came with a rider on Tuesday that the exodus of New Zealand players is not yet over.
Slade is the 10th All Black so far to announce he is heading offshore at the end of the year after the 27-year-old was offered a deal reportedly worth €660 000-a-year (R.8.5 million) to join French club Pau.
Still to confirm their post-World Cup futures are Julian Savea, Sam Cane and Ryan Crotty and, coupled with expected retirements and the impact of the Olympics, coach Steve Hansen is bracing for a difficult 12 months following the September-October tournament in England.