Watson plays down IRB's withdrawal from Pasifika talks

1.00pm - By MARTYN WATTERSON

Cullen Sports boss Mick Watson believes their plan for a Pacific Islands team is still viable, despite the International Rugby Board (IRB) announcing they had severed talks with his group.

Watson said their proposal was still realistic despite the IRB issuing a statement today saying they would no longer be speaking to Cullen Sports -- owners of the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team -- in relation to the proposed Pasifika team.

"That's an issue for Sanzar (South African, New Zealand and Australian rugby unions)," IRB spokesman Chris Rea said.

"Sanzar is the appropriate forum for it. That's where it will be taken forward if it is to be taken forward any further."

However, Watson told Radio Sport this morning: "There's still no reason why the Pasifika team can't happen, but in the first instance we're going back to our plan to help Samoan rugby."

Watson, New Zealand Warriors chief executive, has headed Cullen Sports' negotiations with the Samoa, Tonga and Fiji unions over a proposed Pasifika Super 12 and test team.

Last week it was revealed that Watson -- and Warriors and Cullen Sports owner Eric Watson -- met IRB chairman Syd Millar and development manager Geoff Evans in January to discuss the proposal.

Mick Watson was due to meet IRB officials in London next week, but despite today's announcement said he was continuing talks with Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.

"When the time is right we may talk with Sanzar or they may approach us -- I would like to think they would want to speak to people willing to help Pacific islanders, if not so be it, " Watson said.

Watson stressed that Cullen Sports' involvement with Pacific Island rugby was not solely about a proposed Super 12 or test team.

"We're helping Samoan and Pacific Island rugby through academies, building development and coaching plans and implementing management strategies," he said.

"Everyone is focusing on the Super 12 franchise and Cullen Sports, and that's very frustrating because on behalf of the Pacific Islands that's not what the issue is about."

Watson felt the IRB's decision was about appeasing the Sanzar unions who were already annoyed at how they have been kept in the dark by the Watsons and the IRB about last month's meeting in Auckland and one in Europe two weeks ago.

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chief executive Chris Moller today welcomed the IRB's about-face.

"'We welcome it because it is a Sanzar matter, but we're also surprised because I've only had one conversation with the IRB," Moller told NZPA.

"On Wednesday IRB chief executive Mike Miller said the meetings were casual and informal and apologised if the whole thing had caused consternation.

"We agreed to set up a meeting with Syd Millar and Sanzar in London over the next few days.

Moller said the NZRU would meet Cullen Sports at "some stage" to hear their proposal, but would first meet with Sanzar and the IRB to discuss the issue.

"We also need to understand what Sanzar's view is because there's no point in the NZRU acting unilaterally because any changes to the tri-nations or Super 12 requires the unanimous support of all three countries."

- NZPA