Waratahs first five- eighth Ben Volavola is a wanted man in Super Rugby and the Rugby World Cup with the Crusaders and the Flying Fijians both expressing their desire to rope him in. It is understood that the powerhouse New Zealand franchise is looking to rope in the Fiji-born 25-year-old to fill the very big shoes left by All Blacks icon Dan Carter, who is heading to a record $2.8 million pay day with French club Racing Metro.

If Volavola does take up the offer, he will become the second Australia-based Fijian to join the seven-time Super Rugby champions, linking up with giant flyer Nemani Nadolo.

Nadolo further fanned the flames by tweeting “Vacava that brus,” along with a winking emotion in response to a fan’s queries on whether Volavola would be “joining you in the red and black next year”.

Meanwhile, the Vodafone Flying Fijians head coach John McKee confirmed that Volavola was looking to most likely join the World Cup squad.

Responding to queries on the possibility of the Waratahs playmaker joining the national side, McKee confirmed they had been in talks.

“I have been talking to Ben Volavola and it’s getting close to a point in which I think he will declare himself available for Fiji.”

With a once-in-a-lifetime offer to fill the one of the biggest shoes in New Zealand rugby on hand as well as the opportunity to finally don the Flying Fijian jumper, it looks like Volavola will finally have his moment.

The Daily Telegraph understands Volavola is the final stages of negotiation to join the powerhouse New Zealand club next season.

The news emerged, however, as the Waratahs balanced the ledger by pinching Kiwi prop Angus Ta’avao to replace Sekope Kepu. NSW announced they’d signed the 125kg Blues tight-head, who is eligible for the Wallabies via his Aussie mum, for the next two years.

Volavola’s shock switch to the Crusaders will come after the versatile Waratah back recently elected to switch his eligibility from Australia to the country of his birth, Fiji.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj