Cup pay talks in secret

By CHRIS RATTUE

Rugby's image has taken a battering at the very point at which a brave new All Black team look primed to bring the World Cup back to these shores.

Mediation talks between the All Blacks and New Zealand Rugby Union were continuing last night, in search of a solution to the World Cup bonus-win row.

Fans and officials are desperate for an agreement, not only to ensure a smooth World Cup campaign but so rugby can take advantage of the momentum built by John Mitchell's side.

All Black great Sean Fitzpatrick summed up the mood when he said last night: "I just wish they hadn't aired all of this in the public. It should have been sorted out behind closed doors."

The NZRU, represented by chairman Jock Hobbs and chief executive Chris Moller, and the Players' Association head Rob Nichol and lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman went into mediation talks in Wellington at 2pm.

The mediator was supplied by the Employment Service, which stipulated the venue be kept secret.

The All Blacks want up to $120,000 each while the union has offered $50,000.

The NZRU has until midnight tomorrow to get the IRB participation forms signed by the top 50 players, although the squad can be tinkered with up until September 10.

Earlier, Moller said he believed the All Blacks were happy with a $50,000 bonus until it was revealed that countries such as England, Australia and South Africa had agreed to give their players between $200,000 and $300,000 each if they won the cup.

Sports Minister Trevor Mallard has ruled out a Government contribution to the bonus.

Manawatu Rugby Union chairman Ian McAffer claimed that thousands of volunteer workers in rugby would be upset if the All Blacks were given what he called a big bonus.

"These All Blacks must be careful they don't alienate their public support.

"They shouldn't be protected for the rest of their lives because they donned a pair of rugby boots and played for the All Blacks for three to five years."

* Discarded test hooker Anton Oliver will remain at the Highlanders, according to departing chief executive John Hornbrook, despite the fallout involving coach Laurie Mains and Oliver's dumping from the All Blacks.

Oliver has been pursued by Wellington, but in one of his last acts as Otago boss, Hornbrook reached an agreement that Oliver remain until the end of next year.

"We had oysters last week and did it on a handshake," Hornbrook told the Herald last night.

"That's all you need with Anton. He has been playing for us without a contract this year because we presumed he would be in the World Cup squad.

"He is an amazing fellow. Most others would have been off overseas after what has happened to him."