'The first question I ask is 'have you thought about this?' Hansen speaks about Milner-Skudder move

Steve Hansen has no issue with Nehe Milner-Skudder’s decision to turn his back on New Zealand and join Toulon.

Toulon on Thursday announced that All Blacks utility-back Milner-Skudder and South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth will join the Top 14 club next year.

Hurricanes flyer Milner-Skudder starred in New Zealand’s 2015 Rugby World Cup triumph, but has had terrible luck with injuries.

All Blacks head coach Hansen can understand the 27-year-old’s reasons for ruling himself out of contention to add to his 13 caps.

“It’s important that when these guys make their decision, the first question I ask is ‘have you thought about this? Have you thought about your time in the jersey?” said Hansen, who will end his tenure after the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

“All you can do is support them. Nehe hasn’t had much luck at all in the last probably two years. He’s getting a little older, so he’s starting to think ‘I need to make sure that I support my family, and the money’s good, so I’m going to go.’

“Again, we support him and wish him all the best. He was good enough to ring and explain to us, that’s all we can ask.”