Rugby: Few clues to reasons for Saili's departure

Peter Saili. Photo / Getty Images.

Peter Saili's Super Rugby career came to an abrupt end yesterday with the NZRU terminating his contract as the Blues forward eyes up an offer to play in France.

The Weekend Herald understands Saili's sudden departure is related to an off-field issue.

However, the Blues are remaining tight-lipped about the details.

It is uncertain whether the decision is related to an incident last year when he was investigated for an alleged assault in June.

Saili was alleged to have been heavy-handed with a 13-year-old burglar he caught at his home. Police investigated but no charges were laid.

Saili played 71 games for the Blues, mainly at No8, but his best rugby invariably came in the Auckland jersey, and he performed well at times in the last ITM Cup.

On the face of it, a departure just a month out from Super Rugby kickoff is inconvenient at the very least, but the Blues do have plenty of cover in that position.

Jerome Kaino will be favoured to start there anyway, while other options include Steven Luatua, Joe Edwards and the young, versatile tyro Blake Gibson, Auckland Rugby's club rookie of the year.

There may even be a promotion as squad replacement for Akira Ioane, the 2013 NZ Schools No8 and a player who made his mark with the All Blacks Sevens in 2014.

France continues to be the destination of choice for rugby's flora and fauna - those whose contracts are terminated - with Saili the latest to be heading north to the land of wine and cheese.

Zac Guildford, now with Clermont, was the last high-profile sacked New Zealand player to head to France, and the wayward Wallaby James O'Connor washed up at Toulon for a time too.

Saili's new French club was not named, but he is believed to be linking up with his new team by the end of this month.

New Zealand Rugby's general manager of rugby Neil Sorensen said that all three parties were satisfied with the outcome, which gives rise to more questions than answers in this mysterious episode.