At the end of 2007, New Zealand saw many of our top All Blacks leave our shores to play for big money in the European competitions.

Carl Hayman, Chris Jack, Luke McCallister, Aaron Mauger and, most recently, Jerry Collins (although he hasn't officially signed with a club) have all decided to take money over the All Black jersey. It's a worrying trend for New Zealand rugby fans, and with the NZRU being unable to match the money on offer in Europe and Japan, it's a major concern that needs to be sorted - quickly.

And they may have found the answer - in what's being called, the 'Sabbatical Clause'.

The Sabbatical Clause gives players the option to earn money overseas during the Super 14 competition, and is a small price to pay to keep our best players in the black jersey for as long as possible.

Both Dan Carter and Richie McCaw have both just resigned with the NZRU until the end of 2011, which is fantastic news for the All Blacks. They will both be allowed to go overseas to play when not playing for the All Blacks, which means they can earn big money while still staying loyal to New Zealand.

And what club wouldn't want them - even on a short term deal? Most European clubs wouldn't think twice about offering them big money, even if it's only to play for five or six months.

It's a great move by the NZRU, and it will hopefully keep our top players in New Zealand for longer. Already, players like Rodney So'oialo, Sitivini Sivivatu, Ali Williams, Kevin Mealamu, Mils Muliaina and Tony Woodcock have expressed a keen interest to sign on until the end of 2011, just as Carter and McCaw have.

Dan and Richie have shown that even in the age of professionalism, there is still room for loyalty - and they're clearly inspiring their team mates to think the same way.

The NZRU should be doing everything they can to keep these players in New Zealand, and the Sabbatical Clause is the best way to offer them the best of both worlds.

With our top players showing commitment to the All Blacks, the next generation will look a lot closer at staying in New Zealand. The Sabbatical should really be seen as a reward for our best players, and to those who have shown a commitment to the black jersey.

While it's unrealistic to think we can stop the player exodus in it's tracks, by rewarding our best players we may just reduce the flow. We commend the NZRU for the work they've done to keep Carter and McCaw - they might not always make the best choices, but in this case they really, really have.

Now, NZRU - make sure you damn well keep hold of the rest of them...