Otago deny suggestion Viljoen is set to join Volts

The manager of Wanganui import cricketer Christi Viljoen has had to swiftly backtrack on his announcement the professional will play for the Otago Volts next summer.

Rod Bannister, the Wanganui representative coach and Cricket Nation director, sent out an email last week that the 27-year-old former Namibian international would "return to New Zealand as part of the Otago Volts first class set up".

"Christi has been provided with the opportunity to play first class cricket in NZ and after on-going discussions with a couple of very interested major associations we were able to come to an win - win agreement with Otago."

However, on Saturday, Bannister sent out another release stating the allrounder is "looking closely at pursuing his first class dream in New Zealand to be based out of Dunedin as a non-contracted player within the Otago catchment."

Otago Cricket chief executive Mike Coggan said there was a meeting with his coaching staff on Tuesday where they are discussing contracts for the 2015-16 season but he "sincerely" knew nothing about Viljoen.

"I don't even know who he is and if he's coming down.

"I would have been part of discussions about players from outside the region coming in. I know we've been looking at a couple of outsiders, but we haven't even confirmed our head coach is staying or joining the Black Caps.

"The contracts don't get signed off until July."

Later, after he had spoken to his staff, Coggan sent a text message to the Wanganui Chronicle.

"I can confirm Otago cricket has not made any offer to the player concerned and will not be doing so."

Bannister said on Saturday that he sent the same release to interim Otago coach Nathan King, whom he had been dealing with.

King later phoned him to say it was improper to put out a media release without the consent of Otago cricket.

"Governing bodies are interesting beasts."

Now, Viljoen is understood to be in the group of players, outside those contracted, who could play their way into the team - like South African-born bowler Roald Badenhorst did this year, Bannister said.

"Christi's being looked at in that group. It's basically what I said is happening - he's going to Otago."

Bannister said he is working with Viljoen to find him a club to play for in Dunedin.