Moana Pasifika star Levi Aumua will reportedly sign an NZ Rugby contract to play for the champion Crusaders in next year's Super Rugby Pacific.
The blockbusting midfielder has been the outstanding performer across the past two seasons, despite his team's struggles to compete against professional New Zealand and Australian franchises.
All Blacks great Sir John Kirwan has tipped Aumua to leave the Auckland-based outfit to join the southern powerhouse in Christchurch from 2024, as competition for his services heightens.
"Three times I've heard this," Kirwan told Sky Sport's Breakdown. "I've heard that [Wallabies coach] Eddie Jones has been chasing Levi Aumua.
"I heard the Blues have been chasing Levi Aumua... and I've heard the Crusaders have won that chase."
Aumua, 28, was born in Auckland, but has played around the globe, including France, Japan and Australia.
He had not logged a Super Rugby appearance, before Moana Pasifika made him one of their inaugural signings, but he already has links with the Crusaders, through stints with Nelson-based Tasman Mako, whom he helped to a 2019 provincial championship.
While Jones may covet his skills in the Wallabies midfield, Aumua - who has Samoan and Fijian heritage - is already on the periphery of the New Zealand programme, after touring Europe with the All Blacks XV last year.
"What worries me is... for Moana Pasifika to survive, we have to keep this going," Sir John warned Breakdown. "How can someone like Aumua then get an NZR contract?
"I don't understand that."
Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua were brought into Super Rugby to provide a pathway for Pacific players into their national teams, which had suffered from generations of poaching from rugby superpowers.
Surprisingly, Aumua has yet to play international rugby and now appears to have several choices, with the Rugby World Cup looming.
"I always throught that when he was showing form, he would be picked for Samoa or Tonga," said Kirwan. "What am I missing?"
Moana Pasifika have not won a game in their second season, losing their 12 games by an average of 22 points to sit at the bottom of the competition table.
"I understand this has to be incredibly disappointing and frustrating, if you're Moana Pasifika, because you have helped develop him and given him the opportunity to play," All Blacks great Jeff Wilson told Breakdown.
"This is a team that's really struggling and their very best player won't be playing for them next year... someone you can build a backline around.
"They've got to make some changes to this organisation. How do we improve their performance in Super Rugby or is this just part of their journey?"
Wilson reveals Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger would also step away next season, after guiding them through their first two campaigns.
KIrwan suggests the franchise would be more competitive, if it was based in Samoa, where it could promote local talent and develop a fan culture in the local community.
Jon Newshub next weekend for live updates of Super Rugby Pacific
