 Reuben Thorne has captained New Zealand 21 times |
Cardiff Blues are trying to sign New Zealand internationals Reuben Thorne and Xavier Rush for next season. Flanker or lock Thorne, 30, currently plays for Super 12 side Canterbury Crusaders, and 27-year-old number eight Rush, is captain of the Auckland Blues.
Said Blues coach Dai Young: "Both are weighing up their options at the moment and, of course, All Blacks selection for the Lions tour is the key factor.
"They have ambitions in that direction and to play against the Lions."
The Blues would need permission from the Welsh Rugby Union to sign Thorne and Rush since their arrival would take the region's overseas contingent over the permitted amount.
Under the WRU's new rugby charter, Wales' regional sides have agreed to have only two overseas players in their squads next season.
The WRU has, however, allowed "scope for flexibility in individual cases".
Young added: "I know these are overseas players and we have to speak to the WRU.
"They have to okay these kind of signings, but we have totally exhausted the Welsh market.
"The kind of quality players you want are either in contract or being chased by everybody."
MMIX
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