The controversial Northern versus Southern hemisphere match still does not have an All Blacks playing presence, according to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU).
One radio station on Thursday morning reported up to six All Blacks would play in the inaugural International Rugby Board game at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in late November.
The match would immediately follow the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour, which consists of tests against England, France and Wales on November 9, 16 and 23.
Acting NZRFU chief executive Steve Tew said no All Blacks had been confirmed for the match, ”I know that for a fact”.
Contrary to the radio report, Tew said the playing and coaching personnel had not been announced for either hemisphere.
He reiterated his union’s stance that the game was superfluous to a congested season.
”The idea of a north-south game has merit but adding to an already-cluttered season, it has challenges,” Tew said.
”We’ve got guys playing up to November 23 and it’s not long after that they start preparing for the Super 12. So another game thrown into the mix makes things difficult.”
Tew added that the match would also be awkward for players not on the end-of-year tour as they would have already started the eight-week rest period recommended for all New Zealand players.
When asked if the NZRFU would object to New Zealanders playing the game, Tew responded: ”We’ll make players available if the Players’ Association agrees to it and the player is comfortable with it.”
The issue was certain to be raised at the first International Rugby Board conference on player welfare in Dublin this weekend. – Sapa-NZPA