Another All Blacks star to pocket €1m on a year-long Top 14 sabbatical

Not a bad wage for a year away from family and friends.

The New Zealand Rugby Union are loosening the reins on some of their superstars next year. Right in the creamy centre of World Cup cycles, the NZRU are set to allow a select few senior players depart for foreign shores. This is similar to the contract relaxation that allowed Dan Carter play with Perpignan in 2008/09. Aaron Cruden has been strongly linked with a move to Europe and only the French Top 14 and England's Premiership could possibly accommodate his wage requests. Midi Olympique is, this morning, reporting that Cruden's switch to Montpellier is "imminent". Jake White's side already have Jesse Mogg, Nemani Nadolo, Nic White, Francois Steyn and a heap more on their bulging books. Meanwhile, Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver has made a somewhat controversial suggestion about using foreign players for national teams. Pulver wants World Rugby to keep the three-year residency rule but has a somewhat condescending concession nations that feel their best talents are being cherry-picked by Tier One sides. He commented:

"I do wonder whether some flexibility, particularly with some of the Pacific Island players who, after a career overseas, are returning and may have completed their use-by dates in some of those countries."

Completed their 'use-by dates'? Incredible stuff. Check out the latest episode of Football: Friday Live