Rugby: Savea likely to stay after Cup

Julian Savea says the All Black jersey is still a big deal for him. Photo / Getty Images

Julian Savea says he is continuing to weigh up his options but is likely to remain in New Zealand after this year's World Cup.

The 24-year-old Hurricanes and All Blacks wing is a player the New Zealand Rugby Union are desperate to keep and have made him an offer to reflect his importance.

But Savea, who was short-listed for the World Player of the Year in 2014, is in demand in Europe.

"I'm sussing out my options," Savea told Radio Sport. "Hopefully I'll stay here. It is looking good but I will see how it goes.

"I think everybody is naive if some player says it is not about the money. Sometimes it is, especially if that player has a family. Money is a huge driver. We have to look after ourselves and make sure our families are all good."

Having seen Charles Piutau and Colin Slade take offshore offers, the NZRU are nervous about Savea and World Player of the Year Brodie Retallick, who is also off contract.

Their anxiety is not just about losing them for next year when the All Blacks are already going to be without a host of senior players such as Daniel Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and probably Richie McCaw. They are more concerned about whether there is an emerging trend of promising players leaving New Zealand younger.

Australia highlighted how concerned they are by that problem when they changed their selection rules this week to enable the Wallabies to pick overseas players who have 60 caps or more and spent at least seven seasons in Australia.

But Savea may have alleviated some of the fears by making it clear that playing for the All Blacks remains something to treasure.

"I'm in no rush. Of course that black jersey is huge. I remember when I first got announced in the team and I was ecstatic and I don't want to take it for granted.

"Hopefully I get the opportunity at the World Cup because it is a huge privilege and honour to wear that black jersey, as not many get the chance to put it on."