Asia could poach NZ rugby stars - McCully

Asian rugby clubs may soon be poaching New Zealand's best rugby players and coaches, Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully says.

Mr McCully said Asia would become the focal point for growth in the rugby sector, particularly with the World Cup in Japan in 2019 and sevens in the Olympic Games in 2016.

The biggest challenge for New Zealand would be holding on to its rugby talent, he said.

"Some of the Asian countries are going to be very aggressive at acquiring talent particularly in the coaching area."

New Zealand was helping China with its introduction of an inter-provincial sevens tournament to start in 2013 and Japan with preparations for its World Cup, Mr McCully said.

"If you are a reasonably miserable sort of rugby player as I was in my youth this (Asia) is the only place you're likely to be selected to be a member of a national team."

Mr McCully admitted he did not know much about the Vietnamese national side, but said the World Cup 2011 would also provide opportunities to do business.

"You don't have to be a rugby purist to be interested in a large event that's going to attract a large number of political and commercial leaders to our part of the world."

Some people would come just for the business environment and to conduct trade deals, he said.

"It's all part of just thickening up relationships. We can't expect to just come and sell goods."

Prime Minister John Key said Ho Chi Minh City leaders told him last night Vietnam would be interested in playing in the Rugby World Cup, one day.

The event was also being used to promote New Zealand, he said.

"There'll be some interest here in Vietnam."

- NZPA