By CHRIS RATTUE
Auckland fullback Adrian Cashmore could be lost to the Blues next year.
The 27-year-old, who had two tests as a replacement against Scotland and Australia in 1996-97, has been in protracted negotiations with the Japanese club Toyota, who include former Chiefs captain Errol Brain and Waikato forward Richard Coventry in their ranks.
New Zealand players headed back to Japan last week for their season, which runs from the end of September through to February.
Cashmore was not among the travellers and is rated a certainty to be in the Auckland NPC campaign this year, but sources in Auckland said they did not believe he would play in the Super 12 next year.
Some reports claimed Cashmore had been talking to another Japanese side, NEC, but Cashmore has been negotiating with Toyota, who are based near Nagoya, 300km south-west of Tokyo.
It is understood the negotiations took a twist yesterday, with the Auckland union making a strong bid to keep Cashmore for next year's Super 12.
But Toyota coach Dave Thomas, a prop with North Harbour in the 1980s, said last night that he was certain Cashmore would join his squad next year, although nothing had been signed.
Cashmore's New Zealand Rugby Football Union contract ends this year and Thomas said the only sticking point to his joining Toyota was a provision giving the NZRFU the first right of refusal, which meant they could still claim Cashmore with a reasonable offer.
Japan has strict residential qualifications for overseas players which might dictate when Cashmore leaves.
Thomas said: "I haven't had the chance to talk to Adrian today ... at some stage he will be playing for us next year.
"The question is whether he comes here before or after the Blues' season.
"He is a very good player and Toyota really want him here. Adrian is very keen to give it a go.
"But there is no question of him missing this year's NPC. He is still contracted to the NZRFU."
It is also unclear whether Cashmore's position would change if he was called into the All Blacks squad.
Cashmore, one of the highest point scorers in New Zealand rugby history, might still have a chance if injury struck the squad, particularly with Jeff Wilson out of the picture.
Cashmore refused to comment last night.
Rugby: Cashmore looks to be on way to Japan
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