All Blacks star joins mass New Zealand exodus after Rugby World Cup

All Blacks scrumhalf Brad Weber will leave New Zealand Rugby after the end of the 2023 Rugby World Cup and sign for a Top 14 club, according to reports in France.

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Newspaper L’Equipe claimed that Weber has agreed a deal with Stade Francais and will join the Parisians following the denouement of the global tournament, if selected in the New Zealand squad.

The halfback has earned 18 caps for the national team since making his debut in 2015 and was a regular in 2021.

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However, Weber made just one Test appearance in 2022, with a 13-minute cameo against Wales, his only international of the year, but he could well be a key part in 2023.

Aaron Smith the All Blacks No 1 scrumhalf

Aaron Smith remains the All Blacks’ clear number one, but that back-up role is up for grabs, with a number of players trying to stake their claim.

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Brad Weber will look to get back in the All Blacks reckoning by performing for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific this year.

He has been a crucial cog in the Waikato outfit’s wheel over the years and will once again co-captain alongside Sam Cane in the upcoming competition.

However, this is likely to be his last season in New Zealand, with the 31-year-old set to take up a contract at Stade Francais.

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If confirmed, he will join fellow internationals Richie Mo’unga and Shannon Frizell in departing the country, while Smith, Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea and Brodie Retallick have all been linked with moves abroad.

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