Rugby: Contracting circus undermines teams

Andrew Hore (right) and Ma'a Nonu have both been rejected by the Hurricanes for 2012 as new coach Mark Hammett looks to put his individual stamp on the side. Photo / Getty Images

Chiefs coach Ian Foster has hit out at the circus surrounding the contracting of players for next season, saying the issue needs to be dealt with.

Foster's Chiefs and the Hurricanes, who visit Hamilton tomorrow night, have been the worst affected by rumours of player culls.

While the Hurricanes' mess has largely been of their own making, Foster has watched powerless as his players were given the news whether they had a job at the Chiefs under incoming coach Dave Rennie.

"I've been proud of the way our guys have dealt with it," Foster said. "Clearly there is change in the air and it is a really tough time for some guys.

"This is a big issue for New Zealand rugby. We've got a new model that has us contracting guys in the middle of campaigns.

"We're trying to digest that at the same time we're trying to sell this competition and I think that needs to be addressed."

Players' Association boss Rob Nichol agreed that it was a difficult time for some of his constituents, but did not think the model was to blame.

"I don't think it's the contracting process. There's always big decisions players have to make around this time of year," Nichol said, pointing to the fact that players had to have Northern Hemisphere deals tied up by the middle of this month.

Nichol said there was an onus on the franchises to be more organised and that conversations that might have normally been left to the ITM Cup had been pushed forward.

"At the end of the day the frustrations are born more out of communication and relationships not working, rather than the contracting process."

Nowhere have the relationships between coach and players been more strained than at the Hurricanes.

Yesterday it was announced that Ma'a Nonu and Andrew Hore would not be signed again by the Wellington-based franchise.

Coach Mark Hammett, who inherited the Hurricanes this year and is looking to put his own stamp on the franchise ahead of the 2012 season, also conceded the timing was not ideal, but said that at least it gave players time to make decisions about their future.

Hammett said there was a combination of factors behind the move to jettison two of his most experienced players, but did not go into details.

"We've got to make decisions on how we move forward," he said.

Nonu put out a statement that outlined his feelings at being rejected by the only franchise he had played for.

"It's pretty disappointing not being required. I had nothing to do with the matter, but that's the way it goes. It's a shame but you move on," the statement said.

"I've spent a third of my life in this team, I've met a lot of great guys and made a lot of friends over the years and I'm grateful for that.

"I'm pretty proud of what I've done in this team. In my wildest dreams I never thought I'd make'Canes.

"I got to play with my schoolboy heroes."

In a nice piece of symmetry, Nonu has been linked with a move to the Chiefs next year. He has also been linked with very nearly every club in France.

The Highlanders have emerged as a contender for the Dunedin-born Hore.

Former Hurricanes hooker Norm Hewitt was last night critical of the decision to cut Nonu and Hore.

"There's been a sacking here, there needs to be an explanation," he told Close Up.

He said if the dynamic within the team was not working there needed to be honesty about it.

"This opens up speculation that they were undermining the team."

Hamilton, 7.35pm tomorrow

CHIEFS

Mils Muliaina (c)
Lelia Masaga
Richard Kahui
Dwayne Sweeney
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Stephen Donald
Brendon Leonard
Fritz Lee
Tanerau Latimer
Liam Messam
Isaac Ross
Craig Clarke
Nathan White
Hika Elliot
Ben May

Chiefs: Aled de Malmanche, Toby Smith, Culum Retallick, Matt Vant Leven, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Tim Nanai-Williams, Jackson Willison.

HURRICANES

Cory Jane
Julian Savea
Alapati Leiua
Ma'a Nonu
Hosea Gear
Aaron Cruden
Piri Weepu
Victor Vito
Jack Lam
Faifili Levave
James Broadhurst
Jeremy Thrush
Neemia Tialata
Andrew Hore (c)
John Schwalger

Hurricanes: Dane Coles, Jacob Ellison, Jason Eaton, Mark Reddish / Karl Lowe, Tyson Keats, Jayden Hayward, Richard Buckman.