Crusaders and All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue could be the next Kiwi to trade New Zealand for France next year, linked with a move to Top 14 outfit Castres.
Amid a glut of quality options in midfield at test level, 28-year-old Goodhue faces a battle to earn and keep a spot in the All Blacks, competing with the likes of Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane and David Havili for a place in the side this year.
But despite hitting form at the right time for the Crusaders - pivotal in Friday's 52-15 victory over the Blues in Christchurch - Goodhue could be considered on the outer for his country.
According to French outlet Midi Olympique, though, Goodhue is a high priority target for the Top 14 side, who finished ninth in this season's competition.
Despite making his test debut at just 23, and finding himself as the first-choice centre for the All Blacks at the 2019 World Cup in Japan when he started in the semi-final loss to England, injuries have severely hurt Goodhue's time in the black jersey.
The centre has played just 18 tests, with the last of those being against Argentina in 2020.
At Super Rugby level, Goodhue has been part of the Crusaders' squad for all six titles of their run under Scott Robertson, albeit with his role varied due to injury issues.
Should he sign, Goodhue would join Crusaders teammate Leicester Fainga'anuku playing in France next year, after he signed an 18-month contract to join super club Toulon after this year.
