Limo Sopoaga (center) believes rugby players will be drawn to the higher salaries in Europe.GETTY IMAGES
New Zealand rugby player Lima Sopoaga suggested "the All Black shirt is losing its allure in the battle against the riches available in the northern hemisphere," according to John Westerby of the LONDON TIMES. Sopoaga, who made his debut for Premiership side Wasps last weekend, "forsook the likelihood of a place in New Zealand’s World Cup squad for a lucrative deal playing English club rugby." The 27-year-old believes others "will be attracted to the greater salaries on offer in the European club game." He said, "I do think things are starting to change and players are starting to wise up a bit. For a lot of guys like myself, from big families and low socioeconomic backgrounds, the chance to change your family’s life is not something you take lightly. Sometimes the jersey is not enough for a better life.” Sopoaga "was a statement signing for his new club" and the Premiership -- "a player in his prime, who was in the All Blacks squad as the understudy to Beauden Barrett at the time his deal with Wasps was announced." He said, "Having my daughter changed things. Rugby isn’t forever, it can all be taken away from you. That all came into consideration" (LONDON TIMES, 9/12).
