Sterling and Piutau. Young, gifted and making bank

Finance and its impact on the motivation of young sportsmen has been a prominent topic this week, what with Raheem Sterling's questionable decision to go public on his ongoing contract negotiations with Liverpool. Meanwhile in rugby circles, the news that one of New Zealand's hottest properties Charles Piutau, 23 has signed a big money deal to ply his trade with Ulster shocked the rugby fraternity in both hemispheres. Some on Twitter even querying whether it was an April fool. Admittedly a pretty niche joke, hardly Alan Partridge to be new presenter of top gear.

In his interview for the BBC, Sterling was quick to assert that the fact he had turned down the comprehensive financial offer from Liverpool didn't make him a "money grabbing 20 year old", claiming that his primary motivations were to win silverware and be perceived as a "kid that loves to play football and do the best for the team". Although a move away from the Reds may indeed enhance Sterling's chance of winning medals, most cynics would speculate whether his magpie instincts were chasing the shiny coins rather than cups. In terms of the perception he seeks, I can't see many Liverpool fans being quoted saying 'oh well he's just a kid that loves to play footy' in reaction to news that Sterling had joined a rival club. 

When speaking about the motivations behind his move, Piutau didn't deny the presence of financial motivation in his thought process. He pointed to the chance to get out of his comfort zone and experience a new way of life as other influential factors. Without wishing to be dismissive, one would have to think remuneration was the primary factor in his choice to forego his claims on an All Black jumper for two years whilst simultaneously placing his Rugby World Cup spot in jeopardy. It is unlikely that as an aspirational youngster Piutau even knew of Ravenhill, let alone dreamed of lighting up the turf. Apologies to Kingspan, it's Ravenhill for me. Sir John Kirwan, Piutau's boss at the Auckland Blues stressed that it was important for New Zealand Rugby to remain competitive in an environment where players were being forced to weigh up Rugby ambitions against realising their value in the global market. That said I would suggest this isn't necessarily a new conundrum for NZ Rugby administrators who have more often than not been successful in relying on the Black jersey as a carrot where players have offers thrust before them from foreign fanciers. Failing that natural succession from a strong conveyor belt ensures that any talent gaps created by emigration are swiftly filled. Prime example, Maa Nonu usurped then hot property Luke McAlister's number 12 shirt when the latter chose to join Sale Sharks after the 2007 Rugby World Cup. 

It is worthwhile noting that the lives of Piutau and Sterling are set in different financial worlds. Piutau is set to earn 1.2 million sterling (currency) across two years whereas Sterling could chase such a figure over a 2/3 month period. What is pertinent is that they are both young talented individuals forced to balance loyalty, ambition and finances to map their careers, with their decisions and thought processes publicly scrutinised. Whilst it is difficult to criticise an individual for maximising their value, we must hope that young athletes do not forget the passion for the game that has driven their development and subsequent ability to entertain the masses.