“We hold him in very high regard and when his playing career finishes, I’m not sure in what role, but I believe he has things to offer us here at New Zealand Rugby, absolutely,” he said.
After confirming their signing of New Zealand superstar Sonny Bill Williams on a two-year $10 million deal, the Toronto Wolfpack are looking to recruit more cross-code players.
The Daily Telegraph reports Englishmen Manu Tuilagi and Ben Te'o are the next targets for the newly-promoted side, with Australian Valentine Holmes also in their sights.
Tuilagi recently signed a contract extension with Union side Leicester Tigers until 2021, but Toronto head coach Brian McDermott reportedly travelled to the Rugby World Cup to scout the 28-year-old.
Te'o, a former Queensland State of Origin representative, has also been linked to the Canadian side but it is understood that Tuilagi is the club's main priority after landing Williams.
Following an unsuccessful stint in the NFL with the New York Jets, Valentine Holmes is also on Toronto's radar, with the ex-Kangaroo open to leaving the NFL after failing to secure a spot on the Jets' active roster.
Holmes has also been linked to a NRL return with the North Queensland Cowboys, who have reportedly tabled a multi-million dollar deal for the 24-year-old, but Toronto could still be in the running.
“Holmes has been linked with the NRL in his native country but with the sums being talked of in tying down Sonny Bill, the Wolfpack would be in the ballpark to compete with the Australian clubs’ spending power," BBC Sport said.
Despite losing Sonny Bill Williams to the UK Super League, New Zealand Rugby Chairman Brent Impey is still hopeful SBW has a role to play for the country post-retirement.
“We hold him in very high regard and when his playing career finishes, I’m not sure in what role, but I believe he has things to offer us here at New Zealand Rugby, absolutely,” he said.