Crusaders in the hunt for Flavell

The Crusaders are one of three New Zealand franchises scrambling for former All Blacks forward Troy Flavell's services for next year's Super 14.

Flavell's New Zealand agent Rob Brady confirmed last night that Japan-based Flavell had "spoken directly with the Crusaders coaching staff" about a possible move to Canterbury.

"Troy has come back to me and said he would consider going there," Brady said.

Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Hamish Riach and Crusaders coach Robbie Deans declined yesterday to comment about the Flavell bid.

The Wellington and Auckland unions are also negotiating for Flavell's services, Brady said.

The former North Harbour blindside flanker-lock played 15 tests for the All Blacks in 2000 and 2001, but was overlooked by John Mitchell and Robbie Deans for the 2003 World Cup.

Flavell, 28, joined Japanese club Toyota last year despite a plea by new All Blacks coach Graham Henry to stay in New Zealand.

Brady said Flavell's return was not "a done deal". Terms had yet to be agreed with the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The selection deadline for aspiring 2006 Super 14 players is October 11.

Brady confirmed Flavell felt he had some unfinished business in New Zealand.

"First and foremost he would be the first to admit that he didn't reach his potential as an All Black, and he wants to come back and do that.

"Secondly, there's the next World Cup, and thirdly, there's his relationship with Graham Henry."

Brady said Flavell had had some dialogue with Henry, and "Graham's a guy that Troy would want to play for".

There had been extensive interest in Flavell's services, not only from the five Super 14-base franchises, but also from teams that are being promoted to the inaugural (NPC) premier division.

Brady said players returning from overseas were a "cost-efficient" option to New Zealand unions because they did not attract the $125,000 transfer fee applied to All Blacks transferring internally between unions.

- nzpa