Tasman Makos: News

Makos Captain bound for Japan
09-Dec-2009

Wayne Martin - Nelson Mail
Tasman Makos captain Andrew Goodman has become the first official casualty of the uncertainty surrounding the union after signing with Japanese club Honda Heat for next season.

Goodman confirmed yesterday the Japanese club needed a decision by last Friday. As the New Zealand Rugby Union still hadn't announced proposed changes to next year's premier domestic competition, he had decided to accept the Japanese offer.

Goodman hasn't yet signed a contract, but has agreed to a one-year deal, starting next May, with the Honda Heat. The club is based in Suzuka and plays in the Top West A League, part of the second tier of Japan's rugby union hierarchy.

Tasman is one of four unions expected to be cut from next year's Air New Zealand Cup competition, although reports at the weekend have suggested that the NZRU may backtrack on that decision, which is due to be made on Thursday.

Goodman, who has been with the Makos since their formation in 2006, said it was an extremely difficult decision to make.

"I had a lot of sleepless nights over it, but it was extra tough in the fact there was uncertainty about what was going to happen and just how late it's all happened," he said.

"[The decision] was a killer. I'm doubting myself a wee bit, but you've just got to go with it, I suppose. It's a pretty good opportunity for me."

Goodman said he was approached by the club after returning from a sevens tournament in Tahiti last month.

"It was a pretty tough decision to make, but the [undisclosed] deal I've got is pretty attractive and it's a good chance to experience something new for a year.

"It's not like I'm leaving for good; it's just for a year at the moment, so if things are all good and Tasman's going back, I could be back in a year or so. I'm not shutting myself out of Tasman rugby, I'm just taking this chance to get a new experience under my belt.

"There was a lot of uncertainty and I didn't want to find that in a couple of weeks there was nothing here."

Tasman chief executive Peter Barr said Goodman would be a huge loss to the union.

"It's hugely disappointing, but it's obviously a great experience for him and an offer that he couldn't refuse," he said. "He goes with our blessing. It's a big loss, but we just have to move on."

Barr hoped Goodman's decision would not spark a flood of departures by other players.

"I hope not. Deals such as that aren't two a penny. The overseas market has dried up considerably with the downturn in the world economy, but there will be times when we will lose players of Andrew's ability and only hope that we don't lose too many of them.

"I know there has been interest in our players, but all of them are hanging on to see what the outcome of the NZRU board decision is on Thursday."

Barr was unaware of any players signing with other unions, apart from hooker Quentin MacDonald, who had already signed with Canterbury earlier this season.