Cullen survives 'Canes camp
December 7, 2001

All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen, who was omitted from the rugby tour to Ireland, Scotland and Argentina last month, emerged unscathed at the Hurricanes' Super 12 training camp this week.

Cullen rolled an ankle at training on Tuesday but led the way during team sprint drills Friday morning, showing no signs of the injured knee that hampered him this season.

The reason for Cullen's dumping from the All Blacks was still in dispute between the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) and Cullen's management.

Players association spokesman Rob Nicol said this week Cullen's managers and the NZRFU were still negotiating pay issues which arose from the standoff when Cullen maintained he withdrew from the All Blacks tour due to injury.

Hurricanes manager Tony Bedford said Cullen's fitness was not in doubt. Bedford said his "tweaked" ankle had caused only minor concern at training on Tuesday and he trained unhindered for 1-1/2 hours this morning.

"He was fine and we don't anticipate any more problems," Bedford said. Bedford said the fortnight-long camp before Christmas was progressing well despite the absence of rookie Hurricanes utility back Riki Flutey.

Flutey is under house arrest in Argentina after he was charged this week with causing grievous bodily harm. The Wellington academy player allegedly punched a Rosario 18-year-old in the face, breaking his nose and eye socket.

Bedford said there were no plans to replace Flutey in the squad. "Our main focus is to get him home," Bedford said. - Sapa-NZPA

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