Stephen Brett, pictured in action with the Blues in 2011, would consider a return to the Crusaders.

Stephen Brett would welcome the opportunity to help the Crusaders in their time of need.

The 29-year-old first five-eighth, who played 70 games for the Crusaders and Blues between 2006 and 2011, is contracted to French second division club Lyon but has the option of exercising an out-clause because they won't be promoted into the Top 14 league next season.

Brett's decision to consider his future coincides with the Crusaders hunting for three first-fives to replace Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor. All will join French clubs after the World Cup.

Since leaving New Zealand in late 2011 Brett, who also represented the New Zealand Maori side in 2010, has played for Japanese club Toyota and French clubs Bayonne and Lyon.

"I still have aspirations back in New Zealand, I want to play my 50 games for the Crusaders but it is just a matter of working out whether they want me first," Brett said.

"I am yet to hear from them, whether they are looking at me as an option. If I get a call from Hamish (chief executive Hamish Riach) or RJ (high performance manager Richard Smith) I would be keen to have a look at going back. They know I am available and will get in touch if they feel they need to.

"I still have some good friends at the Crusaders and would love to go back and play with them again."

Riach and Smith will be busy liaising with coach Todd Blackadder about his preferences as they try to fill the gaping void created by the departure of their three All Blacks.

In 2013 the Crusaders asked Brett if he could make himself available for their tour of South Africa because Carter was on paternal leave. But Brett, who was on leave from Bayonne, was advised to rest an injured foot and declined.

The Crusaders haven't operated without an All Blacks first-five since Dan Carter was granted a sabbatical in 2009. Slade, who hadn't been selected for the All Blacks at that point, and Brett were used at No 10 that season. In 2010 Brett, who can also play second-five, moved to the Blues.

The Crusaders have Richie Mo'unga in their wider training group, but he has only played for the Knights development team and is yet to earn a Super Rugby cap. Mo'unga has been in the Canterbury NPC team for the last two seasons and his development during the domestic season will come under close scrutiny.

Experienced No 10s who are off contract at the end of this Super Rugby season are in short supply. Aaron Cruden is contracted to the Chiefs and Beauden Barrett is tied-up with the Hurricanes. Lima Sopoaga has been running hot for the Highlanders and a move from the southern franchise seems unlikely.

Brett, who has a French partner and a three-month-old baby, said the knee injuries that plagued him in New Zealand have been fixed.

"When I was back in New Zealand I was having problems with my knee and was getting injections every week but I had some treatment in America and ever since I have been playing in Japan and over here (in France) I haven't had those problems.

"I can't get over the game of rugby as quick as I used to but I still feel good."