Rugby: Crusaders targets of poaching claims

Richie McCaw will lead the Crusaders against the Bulls at 3am (NZT) tomorrow. Photo / Getty Images

The South African Rugby Union says it has approached its SANZAR partner in New Zealand to address the "horrifying" conduct of one of New Zealand's top Super 14 franchises, according to a South African media report.

The Crusaders are accused of approaching high schools in South Africa with an aim of bringing promising under-16 players to a "talent identification" camp this winter.

SARU chief Johan Prinsloo told SuperSport.com that a "strongly worded" complaint had been sent to the NZRU in response to a letter which he claimed had been sent from the "Crusaders Academy" and promised an all-expenses-paid training camp for 60 young players, to be held near Pretoria in July.

Crusaders chief Hamish Riach told The Press that the franchise had a commercial licensing agreement with the Centurion-based academy and did not intend to "pinch" players from South Africa.

The claims come before the Crusaders meet the Bulls in a star-studded Super 14 semifinal clash at Orlando Stadium in Soweto overnight.

The winners will play either the Waratahs or the Stormers in next week's final.

- NZ HERALD ONLINE