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Rugby Union

McAlister keen on Sale switch

11/07/2007

New Zealand centre Luke McAlister says he is keen to move to the Guinness Premiership with Sale Sharks his preferred destination.

McAlister could join a number of other All Blacks who have agreed moves to the Premiership after this year's World Cup which starts in September.

The 23-year-old denies having signed a contract with any club yet and says he will decide his future when the Tri-Nations finishes at the end of this month.

He said: "I suppose you could say I am keen. Let's just say I don't want to play in New Zealand the rest of my life.

"I don't want to go overseas when I'm 30, I would rather go when I am younger and experience the world and experience different lifestyles."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has appealed to the versatile back not to leave as he feels McAlister has a bright future at international level.

The Auckland Blues player says he has not been pressured by anyone and that he will put his own career first.

"They all want what's best for me. I know he [Henry] wants what is best for me," said McAlister.

"You only get one shot at it and I want to make the most of my rugby career and do things."

The Kiwi has also been linked with Leicester as well as French giants Biarritz and Toulouse but says Sale are the favourites.

McAlister spent some of his youth in the north of England while his father played rugby league for Oldham and he is keen to go back to the area.

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