'Put a stop to it': Moana Pasifika's best player reportedly poached by Crusaders

In-form Moana Pasifika centre Levi Aumu has reportedly been signed by the Crusaders for 2024 after he was pursued by a number of groups.

Former All Black wing John Kirwan revealed on Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown that after being chased by Eddie Jones and the Wallabies, the Blues, Aumua has settled on the Crusaders.

“Thrice I’ve heard this,” Kirwan informed Sky Sport’s The Breakdown.

“I’ve heard that Eddie Jones has been chasing Levi Aumua.

“I heard the Blues have been chasing Levi Aumua … and I’ve heard the Crusaders have received that chase.”

“I’ve heard from a very, very, excellent supply that he’s going to the Crusaders and he’s on an NZR contract.”

The switch information comes after Aumua leads the competitors in deal with busts and line breaks on the again of a stellar season for the bottom-placed Moana Pasifika.

Though the signing has left a bitter style for some with Aumua in line to turn into an All Black having aligned with a New Zealand franchise.

The deal would additionally weaken the Moana group who will lose their best player after a winless season to date in 2023.

“Let’s put it straight on the desk, Moana Pasifika ought to survive and ensure we maintain this going,” Kirwan said.

“However how can somebody like Aumua then get an NZR contract? I don’t perceive that.

“What have been the objectives for Moana this 12 months? It was to create extra pathways for Pasifika [players], extra individuals from Samoa and Tonga getting alternative.

“I at all times thought that when he was exhibiting type that he can be picked for Samoa or Tonga.

“What am I lacking?”

Former All Black winger Jeff Wilson clarified that a number of choices have been at all times on the desk for Aumua and he has the best to select what’s best for him.

The New Zealand-born centre accomplished his education in Australia the place he performed for Brisbane Grammar College.

With Samoan and Fijian heritage, Aumua had up to 4 nations he may have sworn allegiance too.

“He was additionally eligible to play for the All Blacks, and was additionally eligible to play for the Wallabies,” Wilson stated.

“He hadn’t made a resolution and dedicated to any of these organisations or nations.

“He was taking care of his future and has now determined he desires to be an All Black.

“I perceive it have to be extremely irritating for Moana Pasifika as a result of you will have helped develop him and given him that chance to play.

Ex-All Black and former Crusader Israel Dagg was in disbelief on the reported switch and referred to as on NZR to forestall any future poaching of Moana Pasifika gamers.

“The Levi Aumua state of affairs … I can’t imagine it’s taking place,” Israel Dagg informed SENZ Breakfast.

“New Zealand Rugby certainly would have seen this coming and have to put some roadblocks in place in any other case it’s going to proceed to occur.

“What in regards to the subsequent best factor that comes out from the Islands they usually’re taking part in for Moana Pasifika and these 5 franchises come on and go, ‘Wow, we wish that player’.

“This player may have a lot of confidence, or he’ll need to make that call to go and play for these groups, however New Zealand Rugby have to put a stop to it.

“In any other case it’s simply going to deplete them after which what’s the purpose of getting Moana Pasifika within the competitors in the event that they’re depleted?”