All Blacks: Wing holding fire about future plans

Joe Rokocoko. Photo / Getty Images

A strong Tri Nations campaign from Joe Rokocoko could see the All Black wing commit to an extended tour of duty in New Zealand.

Off contract at the end of this year, and already the target of several major European clubs, Rokocoko says he won't make his mind up what to do next year until at least the end of the Tri Nations.

He might even leave it longer but, barring disaster throughout July, August and September, he's hinted that his preference is to stay on until the World Cup.

Toulon and others chased him aggressively this year when there was widespread belief the Blues wing would not be part of the All Black set-up.

When his form was vastly improved and the recall came, Toulon switched their attention to Rokocoko's Blues team-mate Rudi Wulf and confirmed his signature a few weeks ago.

"There are always going to be options around. I just have to find the right one for me and my family," says the 27-year-old.

"I have until the end of year. I wanted a good Super 14 and now my focus is on the Tri Nations. At the moment this is the best environment for me."

Rokocoko has been the subject of heavy discussion after being dropped for the European tour last year when it was clear he could not handle kick and chase football. He was exposed under the high ball and his traditional counter-attack game was made redundant.

There was widespread speculation that with the emergence of Cory Jane, Zac Guildford and Ben Smith - all adept at catching and kicking - Rokocoko's All Black career was over.

With only a year to run on his existing deal, Rokocoko said he initially felt that after being dropped he would take off to Europe.

"The first 24 hours or so, you have your moments and that goes on for a week. But then I realised that if the game has changed, then I have to change.

"It has benefited me even though the game has changed a bit again - it forced me to work on other skills. I know there is nowhere to hide."

A summer of hard training saw Rokocoko shed some weight, find an extra yard of pace - he is once again the fastest player in the All Black squad - and rediscover his hunger for the game.

His wife also gave birth to their first child in February and the new arrival has allowed Rokocoko a new perspective of life. He's no longer so intense off the field and is better at keeping rugby in context.

"It helped a lot. You come home and he just wants to play with you. It brings you back down. Here I am stressing about getting a ball over the line and it helps you realise there is more in the world."