Rugby: Big money offer in new loopholes

Alby Mathewson. Photo / Getty Images

A number of rogue provinces are looking to beat the introduction of rugby's new provincial salary cap and secure players on big money deals - some of which may be dangerously high.

Auckland are believed already to have captured halfback Alby Mathewson, who was offered significantly more money to shift north than he was to stay in Wellington.

The halfback has been in the form of his life this season and Auckland made him the offer so he would commit his long-term future to the Blues.

The prospect of a major salary increase helped lure him north, as did the news that fellow halfback Tyson Keats has committed to the Hurricanes, while Piri Weepu is not yet certain to be joining Perpignan, as some reports suggest.

Auckland are also believed to be chasing Robbie Robinson, who is happy at Southland but undecided about the Highlanders.

Some provinces are ready to pay current market value so they can persuade the targeted player to make a long-term commitment to the Super Rugby franchise of the region.

Next year the franchises will effectively own the players' contracts so they will be able to plan with certainty in which positions they are strong and where they have gaps.

The Blues have several players who are not certain to recommit to them - so are trying to plug gaps now. With Daniel Bowden and Tim Bateman both leaving, the Crusaders may want Stephen Brett back, while Daniel Kirkpatrick is free to move on after this campaign.

The Blues will want certainty in such a critical position. If they can't snare Robinson, they might turn to the international market.

Dan Carter is committed to the Crusaders. Stephen Donald and Mike Delany to the Chiefs and Aaron Cruden to the Hurricanes.

Robinson is promising and wants more game time but Blues coach Pat Lam may be keen to find a more experienced, international first five and phase in Robinson, if he can be bought, over what will be a longer campaign.

Serge Lilo is also free to move on, although Daniel Braid has been secured to play at openside flanker next season.

No one is objecting to the free market but there are concerns that some provinces are acting aggressively now, aware there is effectively a loophole to exploit.

The new provincial salary cap, that will restrict maximum payments to individuals to $60,000, will kick in once the player's collective agreement has been ratified - probably in about a month. As part of that agreement, there is a four-week window after it has been signed before it actually applies.

Allowances will be made for those players who sign contracts now and they will be able to earn far more than $60,000 for the entirety of their contract.

It's expected there will be more players moving before the introduction of the cap as this is the last chance franchises will have to secure players through the inducement of a financially loaded provincial contract.

While players are no longer required to play for the franchise to whom their province is aligned, big money is being used as the incentive to ensure the Super 15 team gets the player to commit to them.