Crusaders powerhouse Leicester Fainga'anuku has confirmed a move to French club Toulon after the Rugby World Cup, putting his future All Blacks selection in jeopardy.
One of the form players during this year's Super Rugby Pacific, the winger is tied with Blues winger Mark Telea and Chiefs fullback Shaun Stevenson as top tryscorers with 11, and is considered a strong candidate for the national team at the World Cup.
He became All Black No.1200, when he debut against Ireland last July, but at 23, Fainga'anuku seems to have foresaken his international future under current Crusaders mentor and impending NZ coach Scott Robertson, with overseas-based players ineligible for selection.
"I feel like I've achieved a lot playing in New Zealand and I cherish those accomplishments as some of the proudest moments in my life so far," he said.
"There’s so much you can experience with what this game offers and I want to maximise those opportunities, while I’m fit and healthy."
Since debuting in 2019, Fainga'anuku has helped the Crusaders to four Super Rugby crowns, logging 50 appearances along the way. He has also won two NPC titles with Tasman Mako.
Toulon have won the French Top 14 competition four times, but finished midtable in 2022/23.
"The conversations I've had are deeply respectful of the reasons why he's going," said Robertson. "He's made it really clear.
"We would love for him to stay around, but respect it and wish him all the best."
Robertson hasn't completely given up hope for his charge, who has only committed to 18 months with Toulon at this stage.
"You build relationships with your players along the way and you've just got to keep those," he said. "Even though he's out of sight, he's still in mind... you keep the contact.
"He's clear he wants to go over there and play a different standard, a different style and meet different people, but you have to make sure he's always welcome back and you keep that connection."
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