ARU and QRU at odds
December 11, 2001

The ARU and QRU are in negotiation over the services of rugby league convert Wendell Sailor next February.

The ARU announced that Sailor would make his debut in the Brisbane leg of the World Sevens tournament on February 2 and 3, but despite the approval of Queensland officials, the QRU wants Sailor to play in a trial match for the Reds on February 1.

While the fixtures don't clash, if Sailor was to suffer an injury in the Queensland match he would be forced out of the Sevens tournament, something the ARU is far from happy about.

"We're going to try to resolve it to everyone's satisfaction," ARU high performance manager Jeff Miller said. "We're sympathetic to Queensland's position because we also want Wendell to play as much 15-a-side rugby as possible."

"But Wendell is a major drawcard for this Sevens tournament."

Sailor's place in the Reds team hinges on the approval of the ARU, with International Rugby Board rules specifying that players must put national duty above club duty.

The QRU is unhappy about the possibility Sailor might be forced out of the match because it is one of only three games, with matches against Canterbury and Auckland, before the Super 12 season starts.

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