Wynne Gray: Manu's change of mind comes too late

So the Deacon Manu impasse is headed for mediation. That outcome is not surprising given the disparate viewpoints of the Auckland and Waikato Rugby Unions.

From the information which has seeped into the rugby fraternity, Manu agreed three months ago to play for Auckland and signed some papers.

That was before the NPC started, before Waikato's success, before Mooloo men got to work.

Now Manu, for whatever reason, has decided he does not want to swap provinces. He told Auckland about his change in attitude last week.

Too bad. In signing on, Manu flagged his rugby future and gave Auckland time to work on other plans for next year. It meant they did not have to think about more front-row solutions with Manu joining Kees Meeuws and Nick White.

However, Manu's late request to withdraw from the deal has created complications.

There is no time for Auckland to go to the marketplace again.

Next Wednesday, the coaches and chief executives of the Super 12 franchises hold their regular annual meeting to submit their squads for next year's series. Do the Blues or Chiefs select the versatile prop?

The New Zealand Rugby Union has been asked to mediate, and if that fails then the case will enter the legal system.

Manu's situation is the latest in a series of contractual debates. Byron Kelleher, Caleb Ralph, Aisea Tuilevu, Paul Steinmetz and Mark Robinson have all had recent difficulties.

Manu may have decided he does not want to play for Auckland next season, but he signed the contract. If he is allowed to renege on the deal, it makes a mockery of the paperwork which is deemed necessary by the NZRFU.

Mediation has to be the way forward because there is no winner if this case gets into the courts. However, there must be a message given to Manu or any others who go down this similar track.

He has created unnecessary confusion and turmoil in two provinces.

Auckland may be within their rights if they want Manu to honour his contract. But that would achieve little if the prop was reluctant to transfer. In that case, Auckland would deserve compensation.

Waikato may feel they hold the moral ground now the prop has changed his mind. But they cannot be allowed to retain Manu without some penalty. The dilemma may not be their fault but it involved one of their employees.

If Manu has broken the rules the WRU has to be penalised and/or restricted in his employment.