All Blacks veteran Ben Smith has politely dismissed questions about his reported move to France after next year's Rugby World Cup.
Appearing at a London media conference in the build-up to Sunday's test (NZ time) against England, the fullback/wing was asked to comment on reports that he had signed with Top 14 club Section Paloise, better known as Pau.
Respected French rugby newspaper Midi Olympique claims Smith will join the French outfit in December 2019 and will take up another contract in Japan after his stint with Pau.
- Ben Smith reportedly signs with French club Pau
- Racing 92 makes play for Kieran Read
- Sam Whitelock, Nehe Milner-Skudder eye Toulon contracts
But Smith wasn't prepared to discuss those plans, with the test against England looming.
"Look, I'm not looking too much further ahead than this week," he told media. "After this tour, I'll probably look to sort that kind of stuff out."
Captain Kieran Read can probably expect similar questions next time he fronts reporters, as northern clubs scramble to secure the services of players coming off their contracts after the World Cup.
Read told NZME he was likely to step down from the national team after the tournament to take up an overseas contract. Since then, French club Racing 92 has emerged as the favourite to secure his signature.
Loose forward Ardie Savea has also been linked to Pau, while lock Sam Whitelock and winger Nehe Milner-Skudder are reportedly heading to Toulon.
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