The names Kalium has mentioned is also only the tip of the Iceberg.
From NZ Super teams alone are as follows (33 total).
(* = All Black)
Blues (9)
*Sam Tuitupou: Worcester, England
*Saimone Taumoepeau: Toulon, Fr
*Angus MacDonald: Toyota, Japan
*Doug Howlett: Munster, Wales
*Luke McAlister: Sale, England
*Greg Rawlinson: Worcester, Eng
Plus these player forced to retire through injury:
David Gibson
*Steve Devine
*Derren Witcombe
Chiefs (4)
*Byron Kelleher: Toulouse, France
*Marty Holah: Ospreys, Wales
Steven Bates: Japan
Roy Kinikinilau: Japan
Hurricanes (7)
Luke Andrews: Japan
Lome Fa'atau: Glasgow, Scotland
Nili Latu: NEC Green Rockets, Japan
*Brad Mika: Brive, France
Mahonri Schwalger
Paul ***o: Cardiff, Wales
*Tana Umaga: Toulon, France
Crusaders (8)
*Rico Gear: Worcester, England
*Chris Jack: Saracens, England
Johnny Leo'o: Paris Racing Metro, Fr
*Aaron Mauger: Leicester, England
Tusi Pisi: Toulon, France
*Kevin Senio: Castres, France
Rua Tipoki: Munster, Wales
Brent Ward: Paris Racing Metro, Fr
Highlanders (5)
Josh Blackie: Kobe Steel, Japan
*Clarke Dermody: London Irish, Eng
*Carl Hayman: Newcastle, England
*Anton Oliver: Toulon, France
Hale T-Pole: Unattached
Jerry Collins, Joe Rokocoko, Keith Robinson, Reuben Thorne and Mils Muliaina are all coming off contract next year and have been strongly linked with various French and English clubs also.
Basically the SH is in trouble if these trends continue. NH clubs are determined to go down the path of pro soccer. The clubs will have the best players and will be the pinnacle of rugby except for when they break for the 6N and world cup.
This article paints a very grim picture for the future:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/event/story.cfm?...jectid=10471135
Even I'm feeling a little worried after reading this!