All Balcks

Quarantine rules set to force key All Blacks out of Rugby Championship

RNZ understands a group of players have already told New Zealand Rugby they don't want to leave their young families for up to ten weeks, which would likely include spending Christmas in quarantine upon their return.

Those players include first-fives Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett.

Mo'unga and his wife recently had their first child, while Barrett will become a father for the first time in the next month.

Piutau roots not forgotten

The 25-year-old could now be at the peak of his powers and dominating the international game while continuing to wear the silver fern with pride, however, it's a far different path which he is now travelling.

The decision to leave NZ and play overseas is going to reap mighty financial benefits for Piutau, a talented and powerful outside back who will become the sport's first million-pound man when he leaves Ulster at the end of the season to join Bristol.