NZRFU complains to IRB about Welsh
by Huw Turner
May 31, 2001

The New Zealand Rugby Football Union lodged a formal complaint with the International Rugby Board late on Wednesday over the Welsh Rugby Union's failure to adhere to IRB regulations in offering a job to Crusaders assistant coach and Canterbury coach Steve Hansen.

NZRFU Chief Executive David Rutherford said in Wellington on Thursday that the NZRFU's legal advice from Britain, which was based on the known facts, was that the WRU had acted in clear breach of IRB regulations.

Regulation 4.9.1 states that no union can induce or attempt to induce any contracted player or coach to leave their union unless the prior written consent of that union has been obtained.

"The NZRFU has lodged a formal complaint about this matter with IRB Acting Chief Executive Officer Hugh Penman. The IRB are starting their investigation by asking Wales for a response in relation to the matters raised by the NZRFU," Mr Rutherford said.

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