Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger believes Julian Savea and Nehe Milner-Skudder could be followed by several high-quality Kiwis from Europe to return to Super Rugby sides in New Zealand.

It was recently announced that Milner-Skudder returned to New Zealand and signed on to play for the Highlanders after he had been released from his contract with French club Toulon.

Savea has since also exited the same mega club to return to New Zealand. The star wing, known as ‘The Bus’, has confirmed that his family will be based in Auckland, but he has not yet committed to any Vodacom Super Rugby franchise.

Although he is not in contention for the Super Rugby Aotearoa competition, Savea is believed to have made it known that his goal is to secure a position at the Hurricanes for next year.

And it’s being reported that the Highlanders, like every other franchise, are currently identifying targets for the 2021 season and keeping a keen eye on the influx of Europe-based New Zealand players.

‘There is definitely potential for that. The reason for that is that the context has changed,’ Mauger said.

‘The context they left and thought they were going to has totally changed around living circumstances, the ability to travel, clubs struggling with payment. All of those things.’

Photo: PhotosportNZ