Mehrtens linked with Europe again

Andrew Mehrtens pictured with Wallaby George Gregan in London last weekend. Picture / Reuters

All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens is again the subject of speculation over a move to European club rugby, this time to Welsh Celtic League side the Ospreys.

The 70-test first five-eighth veteran reiterated that his sights were set no further than making the New Zealand team for the series against the British and Irish Lions in June and July.

Mehrtens was linked with Harlequins, Saracens and Llanelli late last year but has denied having any contact with those clubs.

However, he has admitted to speaking to an Ospreys representative.

"I'm now in my last year of my contract and I would love to play in Europe," Mehrtens told Wales' Western Mail newspaper.

"I had a chat with someone from the Ospreys, just out of courtesy really, but I haven't actively sought anywhere definite yet because I still have ambitions to play for the All Blacks.

"I would love to play against the Lions, and that's my main priority at the moment."

- NZPA