Mils Muliaina and other All Blacks are sought-after commodities as they come off contract after the 2011 World Cup.

Muliaina, who will be 31 when the World Cup ends and a veteran open to a better pension, has had numerous offers from European clubs and is in the good position of being selective and likely to be well recompensed.

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One of the clubs particularly mentioned is the Ospreys of Swansea. Their Welsh international Lee Byrne is looking to go to Clermont Auvergne but the Ospreys are reluctant to let him go unless they can get a suitable replacement, which Muliaina certainly would be, for he has been in the best form of his life this year. Munster and Leinster have also been mentioned as possible destinations.

Muliaina is inclined towards France, citing the culture rather than the bigger pay packets. On a recent visit to France to promote adidas, Muliaina said: “France is a country that I’ve always liked. ‘I like the French culture, French food and French wine.

”To play in France would be an opportunity difficult to refuse. I haven’t thought about where I’d play next but I’d never say never to coming to France.”

Burly centre Ma’a Nonu, who will be 29 at the end of the World Cup, could be heading for Munster where All Blacks Doug Howlett and Sam Tuitupou play.

Other All Blacks coming off contract after the World Cup include Dan Carter, who played for Perpignan for a while, John Afoa, Sonny Bill Williams, who was at Toulon before returning to New Zealand with eyes fixed firmly on the World Cup, iconic Richie McCaw, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Ali Williams, who will be playing for Nottingham in England’s Championship (second division of professional rugby) in January, Tony Woodcock, Neeamia Tialata, Andy Ellis, Keven Mealamu, Piri Weepu and Brad Thorn, though, already a super-veteran at 35, the great lock may opt for full retirement..

New Zealand Rugby Union boss Steve Tew said on the prospect of players’ leaving for abroad said: ”We would like as much certainty around key guys as early as possible next year. ‘In the end we can only put in front of them what we can put front of them and they have to determine a time frame on when they want make a decision.

”I know it is a desire among the leading guys in the All Blacks to clear this well in advance.”