The New Zealand union is keen to stop the exodus of players to Europe

Harlequins have struck a groundbreaking partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Union to become a host club for All Blacks wanting to cash in on a European sabbatical.

The deal will lead to the Twickenham Stoop becoming a breeding ground for the next generation of All Blacks and female New Zealand players as part of an exchange programme. Harlequins will send “pathway” players in the opposite direction and the deal also includes placements for coaches to spend time in New Zealand.

The RFU, which invests more than £60 million a year into English professional rugby, does not object to Harlequins entering into a partnership with New Zealand, even though it would appear to have performance benefits for England’s biggest rivals.

Fekitoa was one of seven New Zealand players who headed for Europe last year MIKE HEWITT/GETTY IMAGES

“The All Blacks are the