He may have been clear about where he stands with joining an English club, but All Black Brodie Retallick could still end up departing our shores after another suitor - this time in Japan - has reportedly surfaced.
The New Zealand Herald reports Japanese club Kobe are the latest to join the race for the 27-year-old's signature after this year's World Cup.
It comes after a report emerged earlier this week that Retallick had been offered a $1.9 million deal by English Premiership club Sale.
The Chiefs star took to social media to shut down that rumour.
"No one thought to ask but no I'm not going to be playing for Sale ... not that I know off [sic] anyway," he said.
Unlike others linked to moves to Japan such as Kieran Read, playing in Japan doesn't necessarily spell the end of Retallick's All Blacks career.
Instead, he could look at a year-long deal to make the most of the double season Japan offers in 2020 before coming back to Kiwi shores and making a bid for the 2023 World Cup squad.
Kobe also boasts some familiar faces for Retallick with former All Blacks assistant Wayne Smith there as the general manager and former Chiefs development manager Dave Dillon the head coach.
There's also Kiwi talent such as Dan Carter, Richard Buckman and Andy Ellis in the playing squad.
Retallick has played 73 Tests for the All Blacks and is set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance for the Chiefs later this year, with 94 to his name already.
The Hawke's Bay lock is considered one of the best at his position in the world, having won the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2014 before being a significant part of the All Blacks' winning campaign at the 2015 World Cup.
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