Mehrtens to leave if overlooked vs Lions

All Blacks leading points scorer Andrew Mehrtens says he will head overseas if he doesn't make the All Blacks squad to play the Lions.

The Lions will begin their 11-match tour of New Zealand in June, culminating with three tests against the All Blacks.

Mehrtens, on the bench this week for the Crusaders as Daniel Carter gets the first five-eighth slot against the Blues, has in the past been linked with overseas sides including English glamour clubs Harlequins and Saracens and with Welsh sides the Ospreys and Llanelli.

Mehrtens said he would love to play against the Lions, The Press newspaper reported today.

"It may be that the powers that be decide my contributions aren't required but I'm comfortable with that," he said.

"If the opportunity is no longer there (to play for the All Blacks), I still want to apply myself to best of my abilities where I can.

"So that will mean looking for a challenge somewhere else."

Mehrtens said he would like the chance to live in London .

"But that probably limits my options as Glen Jackson (former Chiefs first five-eighth) is at Saracens and Alex King is at Wasps. So that leaves London Irish or Harlequins."

He said other Zurich Premiership sides already had the first five-eighth spot covered.

- NZPA