Maxwell joins the exodus

Norm Maxwell is recuperating from surgery to repair a broken and dislocated finger on his right hand. Picture / Fotopress

Injured lock Norm Maxwell wants to bypass the Lions series for a pension plan in Japan, a move which will throw the All Black selectors' plans into further upheaval.

Maxwell has been an uncertain choice for the last 18 months as his lean frame struggled to cope with a first-class career that started a decade ago.

The Herald understands Maxwell has agreed terms with a Japanese club but still needs to sort out release details with the New Zealand Rugby Union and the All Black panel. Everyone was being coy about the situation yesterday.

Maxwell's absence will put an even greater strain on the All Black locking resources for the Lions series with Keith Robinson also injured and unlikely to play and Ali Williams still serving his lengthy suspension.

Chris Jack is the only test lock in action, although Jono Gibbes and Reuben Thorne were touted as utility alternatives last year, after Brad Thorn and Simon Maling took up overseas contracts.

The national panel may now rue their decision not to blood at least one young lock when they took an extended tour party of 32 to Europe.

Maxwell had time out last year before returning for the NPC and answering a call to help on the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to Europe where he played two tests.

But those exertions meant the 29-year-old started the Super 12 late and he is now recuperating from surgery to repair a badly broken and dislocated finger on his right hand.

Maxwell said yesterday he was giving his future a lot of thought. It was a tough time after so long in the sport.

"It is definitely a big one for me, you are dead right there mate," he said.

"It is quite draining, it takes a lot of energy, I have done a lot of worrying and in the next couple of weeks mate, I should be able to express myself clearer on the issues."

NZRFU deputy Steve Tew had not heard about any request for a clearance from Maxwell but thought the lock was on an annual contract with the union.

All Black coach Graham Henry had been in Christchurch on Saturday to watch the Crusaders but said the last time he spoke to Maxwell about his future was early in the Super 12.

He had not heard that Maxwell would retire from international rugby before the Lions series because he had a June deadline to take up his contract in Japan.

"It is always a possibility," Henry said.

"I know Norm is very concerned about his body and how it handles the load. But that final decision has not been made whether he will play international rugby or not."

Henry said he and the selectors had always been concerned about the lack of depth at lock.

"There are some young locks around and they will be good enough in a year or two," he said.

Robinson had been for another scan on his back problem and there had been no evidence of structural damage, no deterioration after his latest setback.

"He is receiving treatment and there is a good feeling about him but whether he plays against the Lions is a long shot."

Norm Maxwell

Age: 29
NPC: 77 matches
Super 12: 75 games
Tests: 36 caps


All Black locking contenders:
Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Keith Robinson, Bradley Mika, Jono Gibbes, Reuben Thorne, James Ryan, Ross Kennedy, Sean Hohneck.

Recent departures: Brad Thorn, Simon Maling and now Maxwell.