Mauger relies on French flavour

Crusaders utility back Nathan Mauger is set to move to English Premiership club Gloucester, not as a Kiwi mind you, but as a Frenchman.

Taking advantage of his parental qualifications, Mauger is relying on the fact that his grandmother was born in French Polynesia as grounds for his French status.

And it is thanks to the IRB ruling in this regard that Mauger can make the move to the 'Cherry and Whites' without impacting on their foreign player quota.

The former non-Test All Black - he was a member of the 2001 tour to the United Kingdom, but never played a Test match - has already agreed to terms with the club, but is now waiting on French authorities to issue his French passport.

"I'm very much looking forward to heading overseas. I haven't signed a contract yet, but hopefully things will work out once I get over there," Mauger told New Zealand newspaper The Press.

"I feel in terms of where I am at, it's a good time to head overseas for a new challenge. I'm keen for some OE (overseas experience) and want to do some travelling and see different cultures."

Mauger struggled to crack the Crusaders starting XV this season, with younger brother Aaron being preferred by coach Robbie Deans, but the older Mauger revealed that he was hesitant to make a local move.

"I feel that in terms of my career it's a good time to go. I guess one of the frustrations I've had is not getting consistent game time and I feel I need that in order to get back to performing at my best."

"I did briefly consider a domestic change, but having grown up in Canterbury I guess I'm a bit one-eyed and I can't imagine playing for another province."