Crusaders head coach Rob Penney has confirmed that Oli Jager has requested to be released from his contract with the New Zealand Super Rugby side.
The Irish qualified tighthead prop, born in London and raised in Kildare, had been with the Crusaders for the past six years, playing 51 times and winning several Super Rugby titles.
New Zealand website Stuff.co.nz reports that the 28-year-old has requested a release from his contract, citing another playing opportunity.
3 June 2017; Iain Henderson of the British & Irish Lions is tackled by Oli Jager of the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians during the match between the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians and the British & Irish Lions at Toll Stadium in Whangarei, New Zealand. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
"We are in the process of working through that and, ultimately, that will probably be honoured," said Penney.
Asked if the former Blackrock College student would be returning to Ireland, Penney replied: "I can’t elaborate too much... you will put two and two together, and he will come out with a release very shortly."
The42.ie reports that Jager is set to sign with Munster.
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Jager moved to New Zealand after doing the Leaving Cert in 2013 and did a month long programme at the Crusaders International High Performance Unit. He made an impression and was given a shot at club rugby the following year. After impressing in his debut season with the Canterbury provincial side in 2016, he joined the Crusaders squad in 2017.
20 February 2013; Oliver Jager, Blackrock College. Powerade Leinster Schools Senior Cup Quarter-Final, Blackrock College v Kilkenny College, Donnybrook Stadium, Donnybrook, Dublin. Picture credit: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
Jager's main ambition in recent years had been to play with the All Blacks.
"I think I’ve made it pretty clear in the last couple of years that I want to be an All Black," he said in 2022.
"I’ve put a lot of effort into it, I’ve stayed in New Zealand. This is my sixth year in Super Rugby. I feel like I’ve been here long enough that I really feel part of New Zealand and I really feel like I’ve got a lot of friends in the team."
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