All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes that it New Zealand captain Richie McCaw would be wise to exercise an overseas sabbatical clause in his contract.

McCaw has not hinted at exercising the break, but Hansen thinks that a move abroad could help boost McCaw's chances of making the 2015 World Cup.

"If we want to get him through to the next World Cup, then it would be a good idea if he uses it at some point," Hansen told the club's official website.

"But nothing has been finalised that I'm aware of at this point.

"At the end of the day, Richie is a smart enough man to know what his body needs."

Fly-half Dan Carter also has a similar clause in his contract with New Zealand Rugby Union.