Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson concedes the end of New Zealand Rugby's locals-only selection policy could be nigh, as he prepares to step into the role.
At present, only players contracted to a New Zealand side - be it Super Rugby or the NPC - can be selected to play for the All Blacks.
But, come 2024, New Zealand and the All Blacks' playing stocks will take a hit, with an exodus on the cards following this year's Rugby World Cup in France.
So far, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo'unga and Shannon Frizell have signed contracts to play in Japan.
What's more, Ardie Savea will also be ineligible for the All Blacks in 2024 after a one-year sabbatical to also play in Japan, as part of his new NZ Rugby contract.
However, as Robertson's appointment to replace Ian Foster at the helm of the All Blacks signals a new era for the game in Aotearoa, the 48-year-old concedes it could be time to significantly alter how players are picked.
"One thing they've selected me [for] is a bit of forward-thinking and challenging the norm here," Robertson said.
"We'll have conversations. You've got to be a step ahead.
"If you step behind and then change rules, that's when you get caught.
"[NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson] will definitely be getting my opinion and my thoughts.
"I'll present to the board, where I think the game is heading, potentially. But a lot of that will happen after I get in the role."
Robertson isn't the only significant figure in NZ Rugby to raise a potential change in selection policy either.
In February, Barrett told Newshub why it could be beneficial for the All Blacks to pick overseas players, who would in turn bring experiences of playing with and against different styles of rugby into the New Zealand environment.
"[Players] learn a lot from their clubs and take it back to their country," he said.
"That's why they're so competitive. They're taking gold nuggets from every club team, so I guess that's an opportunity if we did do that."
