Flavell deal sealed says agent

By CHRIS RATTUE

Troy Flavell remained silent about his future last night, although his agent says the controversial forward must fulfil his obligations to Japanese club Toyota and take up a two-year contract with them.

The player and his agent, the Wellington-based Rob Brady, appeared to be at odds about his intentions.

Brady was adamant that Flavell would head to Japan, but the North Harbour lock/flanker was not so sure.

Flavell, who played the last of his 15 tests in 2002, has been wooed by All Black coach Graham Henry, who sees him as a strong candidate for his test side.

And there were indications this week that Flavell, who talked briefly to the Herald, wanted to backtrack on his agreement to join Toyota.

But Flavell and agent Rob Brady did not return calls to the Herald last night, although earlier in the day Brady told a radio interviewer that Flavell signed his contract on Wednesday, and then asked his agent to hold on to it for a day.

But Brady said the deal was signed and sealed, and Flavell must head to Japan.

Henry refused to comment yesterday and New Zealand Rugby Union assistant chief executive Steve Tew would say only that the union and Brady had talked in recent days.

Flavell reconsidered his move to Japan following Henry's approach.

He was left out of the Blues Super 12 squad because of his impending departure.

It is understood that Flavell or Brady sent an email to Toyota in November agreeing to terms, although no contract was signed. But in yesterday's radio interview, Brady said Flavell had signed the contract on Wednesday.

The union had made an offer to Flavell, who would have had to wait for an injury to another player before joining a Super 12 side this season.

But Brady has been reported as saying the union deal had too many ifs and buts.

Toyota, meanwhile, are awaiting Flavell's arrival in time to play in the Japan Cup knockout competition, which ends in late March.

But he is suspended throughout that month after an incident which left Richard Hill with a broken nose in the Barbarians v England match, meaning he can appear for Toyota only in the early rounds.

Toyota, whose coaches include New Zealanders Allan Pollock and Errol Brain, were undefeated in the just-completed second-division competition.

They have been promoted to the elite 12 team series which kicks off in late August.

Toyota include former All Blacks Adrian Cashmore and Charles Riechelmann, who may be released, plus another ex-test player, Filo Tiatia, and Super 12 back Romi Ropati.