Claims of illegal 'player poaching'

The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) will investigate claims by North Harbour that other unions have been poaching their top talent illegally. The names of Sevens star Rico Gear and Anthony Tuitavake have been mentioned in these claims.

The NZRU said in a release on Wednesday that players are free to determine for themselves which provincial union they wish to play for and therefore which Super 12 Franchise will have the first call on their services.

"However, North Harbour have alleged that these players have been enticed to transfer from North Harbour by the promise of a Super 12 contract and, in Tuitavakes case, in breach of his existing contract with North Harbour," the NZRU statement said.

The investigation will be directed by Auckland lawyer Mike Heron.

The investigation will seek to determine the facts surrounding approaches to both players and therefore whether or not there is any substance to the allegations made by North Harbour.
 
The Board also decided at its meeting last week to amend the NZRU Transfer Regulations, following the transfer of Rico Gear to Nelson Bays.

The Transfer Regulations had been amended in August 2002 to allow players transferring down a division to do so without a development compensation payment, unless the player transfers up a division in the following year.

That exception to the Transfer Regulations was made in consultation with provincial unions to encourage players - particularly at the end of their careers - to play for Division Two and Three Unions by removing the barrier of prohibitive transfer fees.