Johnny McNicholl, who is being chased by Scarlets, has scored three tries in six matches for the Crusaders this season.

Johnny McNicholl is off to Welsh club Scarlets, where the money is better and there is a chance he could become an international.

Fullback/wing McNicholl will join the Scarlets from Llanelli, who are coached by New Zealander Wayne Pivac, on a two-and-a-half-year contract once his duties for Canterbury in the NPC are completed.

News the 25-year-old, who has made 31 appearances for the Crusaders since his Super Rugby debut 2013, coincides with him working his way into some sharp form on the right wing where he has been rewarded with three tries in six appearances.

Around this time of the season players usually sit down with their superiors and agents and tell them whether they want to stay or go, and McNicholl is the latest member of the so-called "second tier" catalogue of players to try his luck overseas.

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In recent times Crusaders midfielder Kieron Fonotia has announced he will join Welsh outfit Ospreys. Highlanders prop Josh Hohneck and Hurricanes loose forward Victor Vito, centre Willis Halaholo and halfback Jamison Gibson-Park will also head offshore later in the season.

If everything goes well for the long-striding McNicholl, he could qualify for Wales once his three-year residency is completed.

McNicholl acknowledges the idea of playing test rugby in Wales holds great appeal, but is cautious about getting too excited about that. "If I do that I would much like to play for Wales. But three years is a long time, so it isn't at the forefront of my mind at the moment."

In the past All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has had a flick at players who have left New Zealand, but he didn't have a dig at McNicholl. Hansen told Radio Sport McNicholl had to be "on the radar" because he had been on the first-class scene, but basically kept it at that.

With Nehe Milner-Skudder nursing a serious shoulder injury, and Highlanders speed machine Waisake Naholo yet to make his comeback from a fractured leg, the All Blacks are short of right wings.

If McNicholl's form proved irresistible he could potentially play against Wales in June and the Rugby Championship tests before he heads to Wales, but Hansen, as seen when he didn't endorse Charles Piutau being his the World Cup squad late last year, would probably prefer a player who remained loyal to NZ Rugby.

McNicholl said he was content with the offer from Scarlets - he had a few chats with Pivac over Skype - after telling his agent he wasn't sold on the idea of playing in countries where English wasn't the chosen tongue. Once his mind was made up, he decided to go with the deal which ruled out any chance of the Crusaders making a counter-bid.

"It never crossed my mind, the money side of things when staying here. Over there the money obviously is better, but it's the opportunity to play for another great club."

Meanwhile, fullback Israel Dagg will make his highly-anticipated return against the Jaguares at AMI Stadium on Friday night, replacing Ben Volavola.

Coach Todd Blackadder has made four other changes to his starting side. Loosehead prop Joe Moody, lock Scott Barrett, halfback Andy Ellis and centre Kieron Fonotia have been rotated back in. Lock Sam Whitelock has been rested, meaning Jimmy Tupou provides cover for the second row from the bench.

Second five-eighth Ryan Crotty will make his 100th appearance for the club.

Crotty, 27, made his debut for the Crusaders in 2009 and has grown into being a leader of the team. He said he was in the process of negotiating a new deal with NZ Rugby and the Crusaders and indicated he wants to stay.

Crusaders: Israel Dagg, Johnny McNicholl, Kieron Fonotia, Ryan Crotty, Nemani Nadolo, Richie Mo'unga, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read (c), Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ged Robinson, Wyatt Crockett, Mike Alaalatoa, Jimmy Tupou, Tim Boyes, Mitchell Drummond, Sean Wainui, Ben Volavola.

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