"It's been a big distraction right from week one," Harbour chief executive Brett Hollister said yesterday.
"It's disappointing because we contracted him with the expectation that he would fulfil the commitment right to the end. He should arguably have been our best player for the whole campaign."
It had taken this long to be resolved because of the number of parties in the mix - the New Zealand Rugby Union, who gave McAlister a spray when he first raised the idea of shooting through early to France; North Harbour; Toulouse; and McAlister himself, along with his father and manager Charlie McAlister.
"You've got to be pragmatic in these situations, but it's good to bring it to an end," Hollister added.
Harbour officials got an inkling all might not be well with their 30-test midfield back just after the Tri-Nations squad was named on July 10.
Word reached Harbour that McAlister fancied leaving early. He wanted to be settled in France by the August 24 deadline for player registration. The only players exempt from that are those playing in the World Cup.
Once McAlister was omitted from the Tri-Nations, his World Cup die was cast.
Asked if Harbour felt McAlister was not as tuned into the union's ambitions for the season as they'd hoped, Hollister replied: "Correct.
"Luke had got himself into a situation where he was contracted to be in two different places at one time. We said there needed to be a substantial release fee paid and it's taken a while to get to that point."
Hollister said McAlister had "for the most part" been an impressive player for Harbour.
"It's a sad way for a great player to leave the union and a disappointing way for him to finish his relationship with New Zealand rugby."
Harbour, still hurting from the post-hooter loss of their Ranfurly Shield challenge at Southland in controversial circumstances, play Counties Manukau in Pukekohe tonight.
Both are too far off the pace to be in the frame for the ITM Cup championship final. In Counties' case, they began with a bonus-point loss and two wins but have sagged from there.
For Harbour, their solitary win came on July 19 against Tasman. Both are left with pride as a motivator.
Otago's first provincial rugby game at Dunedin's new $200 million covered Forsyth Barr Stadium scheduled for tonight has been postponed.
Otago were due to play Manawatu but their Turbos' flight out of Palmerston North was cancelled.
The two teams will now play each other on August 30 at 7.35pm at the new stadium.
The national provincial rugby final for the championship division has also be moved on September 4 to accommodate the fixture rejig.
Pukekohe, 6.05 tonight
COUNTIES
Tim Nanai Williams
Ahsee Tuala
Niva Ta'auso
Reynold Lee-Lo
Sherwin Stowers
James Semple
Augustine Pulu
Fritz Lee
Mark Selwyn
Adam Cathcart
Chris McLaren
R. Raaymakers
Matt Talaese
Mark Price
J. Fatialofa/P. Hale
Counties Manukau: Suliasi Taufalele, Fatialofa/Hale, Jamie Chipman, DJ Forbes, David Bason, Baden Kerr, Bundee Aki, Ihipa Thompson.
NORTH HARBOUR
Codey Rei
Ken Pisi
Rudi Wulf
Pita Ahki
David Raikuna
Ben Botica
Chris Smylie (c)
Mat Luamanu
Solomon King
James King
Filo Paulo
Irwin Finau
Taione Vea
James Parsons
James Afoa
North Harbour: Manu Leiataua, Alex Woonton, Owen Wilson, Sam Hayes-Stevenson, Luke Hamilton, Willie Walker, Nafi Tuitavake, Adrian Smith.
