 Meeuws is a prolific try scorer |
The All Blacks are set to lose the cornerstone of their pack with prop Kees Meeuws poised to leave New Zealand and take up a contract in France. Meeuws, capped 42 times, has started seven of eight Tests since coach Graham Henry took over this year.
"We're disappointed, it's a pity," said Henry. "You don't like to lose players of that quality."
Meeuws' expected departure follows reports that lock Simon Maling is on the verge of joining a Japanese club.
"Even though he is getting on, we thought he had a few more years in him," Henry added of Meeuws, who has a world record number for tries (10) for a prop.
"It is highly likely that Kees will leave New Zealand at the end of the year," confirmed David White, the chief executive of Meeuws' Auckland provincial side.
"We've tried incredibly hard - along with New Zealand - over the last few months to keep him in the country.
"He will be a big loss to Auckland, Blues and All Black rugby. I can't say more than that right now."
MMIX
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