FORMER Kiwi international Nigel Vagana is poised to become the latest big-name player to join French rugby union with confirmation last night this would be his last season in the NRL.
Needing to play three of South Sydney's four remaining games this season to extend his deal with the club beyond 2008, Vagana has been languishing in the NSW Cup with Rabbitohs feeder team North Sydney for much of the year.
His future has been a constant source of speculation but the club and his management last night confirmed he would not be playing in the NRL beyond this season.
He had been considering an off-field role with the Rabbitohs if he decided to retire, but manager Chris Orr revealed he has charged two agents overseas with the job of finding the centre a possible two-year deal with a French rugby club.
Talks have already begun with Top 14 side Biarritz and second division team Racing Club de France.
The 33-year-old, who has played more than 200 first-grade matches for the Warriors, Bulldogs and Sharks, could also switch codes to play in Japan with negotiations also under way with rugby powerhouse Canon.
"We are more than happy for two other agents to find another contract for Nigel," Orr said. "Nigel feels he has done everything he can in the NRL and would like to pursue his options in French rugby. Japan also remains an option."
If any deal is struck with French rugby, it won't be by agent Greg Keenan, who secretly contacted Vagana last month and told him he could find him a French club if he wanted. Vagana and his management rejected the approach.
It is believed Vagana is still keen to honour his commitment to captain Samoa at the World Cup in Australia following the centenary season.
A string of injuries has plagued his season with the Rabbitohs after he was trumpeted as a key signing for the reborn club last year. He has been in talks with UK Super League clubs Leeds and Wigan but those talks fell through as he battled injury.
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson denied Vagana had been pushed out of the club in the same way the Knights had refused to play Kirk Reynoldson last year so they did not have to extend his contract for another season.
"Absolutely not," Richardson said. "We've sat down and talked with Nigel every step of the way over the last few months about his future. Nigel has had a lot of problems with injuries this season and he has been undecided about what he wants to do.
"If he decides to retire, we will try to get him a position with the club working with the club's Polynesian players. It's up to Nigel to make a decision."
There were suggestions last night that Souths co-owner Russell Crowe had indicated to Vagana that he would be given a fitting farewell from the game. In other words, he would play first-grade at some stage.
"Any player is selected on performance," Richardson said.
http://wangaratta.yourguide.com.au/...ow-vagana-eyes-french-connection/1242549.aspx
Needing to play three of South Sydney's four remaining games this season to extend his deal with the club beyond 2008, Vagana has been languishing in the NSW Cup with Rabbitohs feeder team North Sydney for much of the year.
His future has been a constant source of speculation but the club and his management last night confirmed he would not be playing in the NRL beyond this season.
He had been considering an off-field role with the Rabbitohs if he decided to retire, but manager Chris Orr revealed he has charged two agents overseas with the job of finding the centre a possible two-year deal with a French rugby club.
Talks have already begun with Top 14 side Biarritz and second division team Racing Club de France.
The 33-year-old, who has played more than 200 first-grade matches for the Warriors, Bulldogs and Sharks, could also switch codes to play in Japan with negotiations also under way with rugby powerhouse Canon.
"We are more than happy for two other agents to find another contract for Nigel," Orr said. "Nigel feels he has done everything he can in the NRL and would like to pursue his options in French rugby. Japan also remains an option."
If any deal is struck with French rugby, it won't be by agent Greg Keenan, who secretly contacted Vagana last month and told him he could find him a French club if he wanted. Vagana and his management rejected the approach.
It is believed Vagana is still keen to honour his commitment to captain Samoa at the World Cup in Australia following the centenary season.
A string of injuries has plagued his season with the Rabbitohs after he was trumpeted as a key signing for the reborn club last year. He has been in talks with UK Super League clubs Leeds and Wigan but those talks fell through as he battled injury.
Souths chief executive Shane Richardson denied Vagana had been pushed out of the club in the same way the Knights had refused to play Kirk Reynoldson last year so they did not have to extend his contract for another season.
"Absolutely not," Richardson said. "We've sat down and talked with Nigel every step of the way over the last few months about his future. Nigel has had a lot of problems with injuries this season and he has been undecided about what he wants to do.
"If he decides to retire, we will try to get him a position with the club working with the club's Polynesian players. It's up to Nigel to make a decision."
There were suggestions last night that Souths co-owner Russell Crowe had indicated to Vagana that he would be given a fitting farewell from the game. In other words, he would play first-grade at some stage.
"Any player is selected on performance," Richardson said.
http://wangaratta.yourguide.com.au/...ow-vagana-eyes-french-connection/1242549.aspx
