Steinmetz row set to rumble on
December 10, 2001

Just when you thought the long running Paul Steinmetz contract saga was over it appears it is about to enter a new phase in New Zealand.

Steinmetz was signed to the Highlanders for next season at the end of October after a lengthy mediation hearing in a move prompted by the transfer of Pita Alatini from Otago to Wellington.

But the Hurricanes have since initiated moves with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union to bring him back into their Super 12 fold due to the likely absence of All Black centre Tana Umaga for at least the early part of the Super 12 next year.

Umaga played in all three tests on the tour of Ireland, Scotland and Argentina, despite an Achilles' tendon injury.

Highlanders chief executive John Hornbrook said part of the original agreement was that Steinmetz would return to the Hurricanes if there were major injuries among the midfield backs before the Super 12.

However, the fact that Umaga continued to play despite a niggling injury may be a sticking point between the Highlanders, the Hurricanes and the NZRFU.

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