Hansen discusses the possibility of a Fekitoa move

Steve Hansen hopes Malakai Fekitoa stays in New Zealand but will support the centre if he opts to join Toulon.

The 25-year-old powerhouse has been linked with a big-money move from Highlanders to France.

Wealthy Top 14 side Toulon on Wednesday released a statement to stress that they do not comment on speculation over potential new recruits.

All Blacks coach Hansen wants Fekitoa, who has won 24 caps for the world champions, to remain in his homeland but said only the player himself can decide what path to take.

Finals footy #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/hjioK2rVHZ

— Malakai Fekitoa (@MalakaiFekitoa) July 17, 2017

He told Radio Sport: “He’s making a decision based on what’s right for him, and like all of the guys that go overseas, we don’t want them to go, but we’ve got to support them.

“If he goes overseas, we’ll support him in that.”

Uncertainty over Fekitoa’s future comes as Highlanders prepare for a Super Rugby quarter-final at Crusaders on Saturday and coach Tony Brown is in no mood to be distracted by talk of a potential exit for one of his key men.

“It’s professional rugby, there is always going to be those rumours.” he said.