Two English clubs are set to fight it out to secure the signing of All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo, according to reports.
According to rugbypass.com, Coventry-based Wasps have expressed interest in the winger, but London Irish are the firm favourites to sign the Fijian-born flyer.
The 27-year-old has scored 16 tries in 26 tests for New Zealand but has struggled to get a place in the starting team, with the likes of Damien McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Ben Smith and Rieko Ioane favoured on the flanks.
Before the 2015 World Cup, Naholo announced he was leaving for France, but he backed out of the deal after being named in the All Blacks squad.
Naholo is contracted to New Zealand rugby till the end of 2019.
If he opts for Wasps, he’ll join former All Blacks and Highlanders teammates Lima Sopoaga, and Malakai Fekitoa, but joining London Irish appears to be the likely option.
The Irish are currently top of the standings in England’s second division, and if they stay there, they’ll get promoted to the Premiership.
Fellow All Blacks Ben Smith and Nehe Milner-Skudder have already announced their departures to Pau and Toulon respectively, while All Blacks captain Kieran Read is also leaving, with reports saying a move to Japan is on the cards.
One-test All Blacks Matt Proctor and Jeffery Toomaga-Allen are also leaving for Northampton and Wasps respectivly.
