SYDNEY - A conflict is brewing between the Auckland Blues and the ACT Brumbies for the services of Fijian Iliesa Tanivula in next year's Super 12 rugby champion-ship.
Both teams are asking their national unions for dispensation to field the powerful winger and insist they have the inside running to keep him next year.
Regulations introduced by both the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) and Australian Rugby Union (ARU) for next season mean only potential All Blacks or Wallabies can play for their country's Super 12 teams unless a special case is made.
Tanivula, 24, has yet to play for Fiji and has made himself unavailable for next month's World Cup to pursue a professional career. After overcoming a knee injury, he played for the Brumbies late in this year's Super 12 but is contracted with Auckland to play in the NPC.
Auckland Rugby Union chief executive Geoff Hipkins admitted he had heard the Brumbies wanted to re-sign Tanivula but said the player enjoyed Auckland and was keen to stay.
"'Tiny' is contracted to Auckland for the NPC and we would like to link that into the Super 12 as well," said Hipkins.
"We are seeking to offer him an NZRFU contract in the near future which will cover him for next year. The NZRFU would have to agree that he is a player who could possibly represent the country and I'm sure they're moving quickly to offer him a contract."
Tanivula has played strongly on the wing for Auckland, scoring five tries from five NPC games.
"He's turning into a bit of a crowd favourite here. He's a most interesting character.
"Obviously by forgoing the World Cup with Fiji and opting to stay in Auckland to play the NPC, it's a pretty good signal that he's keen to stay here."
However, Brumbies coach Eddie Jones insisted Tanivula had agreed to terms with ACT.
"He's been here one year, hasn't played for another country and, in another two seasons when he's served his residency requirements, he'd be available for the Wallabies," Jones said.
"They [Fiji] wanted him for their World Cup squad, but he's prepared to commit himself to Australia if he's given a chance.
"No one has seen how good this guy is and how good he is going to be."
Queensland have already sought and won dispensation to field Fijian halfback Jacob Rauluni next year, while New South Wales are likely to request it for Wales-bound centre Jason Jones-Hughes. - NZPA
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