Good news for Hurricanes fans
Family ties are set to keep All Blacks wing Julian Savea at the Hurricanes.
The blockbusting finisher has been strongly linked to a move away from the capital, but Fairfax Media understands a reluctance to leave family has swayed his decision.
Savea's X-factor abilities are in hot demand. He will spurn attractive offers, including third-party arrangements from the Crusaders and Chiefs, to remain at the Hurricanes.
Over the past two weeks the 15-test wing has been toying with the notion his rugby development would be further enhanced alongside a host of senior All Blacks at the Crusaders, or under Dave Rennie and Wayne Smith at the defending champion Chiefs.
In the end, the 23-year-old will put his young daughter before other considerations - a major relief for Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett.
Jerome Kaino is, meanwhile, facing a $300,000 pay cut to return to New Zealand rugby next year.
The former All Blacks blindside flanker is currently on a $1 million annual salary in Japan and the Star-Times understands he has been offered a $700,000 collective deal to return home.
That figure is, however, conditional on him making the All Blacks. If he doesn't earn a recall to the national team his salary could drop further by up to $100,000.
The New Zealand Rugby Union is understood to make up $440,000 of the total salary package, with both the Blues and Chiefs offering around $260,000 per year. That would involve a $75,000 third-party top-up. After visiting Kaino in Japan recently, Blues coach Sir John Kirwan remains confident of getting his man.
Negotiations have been protracted because Kaino is contemplating the major financial sacrifice he needs to make to reclaim his All Blacks jersey, though a conclusion is expected this week.
"It would be a huge sacrifice, a big commitment for him," Kirwan said. "The most important thing is Japan is not going to go away from him. He's coming home because he wants to be an All Black and play for the Blues. Japan will still be there in 2015 if he's still playing well. We're waiting for a decision. I'm pretty sure we're looking at a few days."
All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock's return to the Blues from the Highlanders will be confirmed this week.Kirwan is also hunting replacements former All Blacks locks Ali Williams and Anthony Boric. The Blues are interested in Canterbury second-rower Matt Symons and Otago's Tom Donnelly.
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