Southland and Highlanders prop Jamie Mackintosh may play Super 14 rugby for the Hurricanes next year.
Mackintosh (24) is believed to be in negotiations with the Wellington-based franchise.
It is understood he may transfer to the Hurricanes and be loaned back to play in the national provincial competition for Southland.
Mackintosh could not be reached yesterday for comment.
His agent, Tom Downey, did not return calls.
Southland co-coach David Henderson declined to talk, saying it was not his place to comment on individual players.
Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid said he often heard rumours at this time of year, and until something was confirmed it was just speculation.
Reid said if Mackintosh did leave, it would be disappointing.
"We are the smallest franchise by far and to lose a senior player will be a blow."
Reid also questioned what other franchises were doing in developing talent if they had to raid players from the smallest franchise.
