Super Rugby
Piutau didn't meet NZ Rugby contract criteria
ESPN Staff
May 20, 2015
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Charles Piutau's bid to play Super Rugby for the Blues next year was blocked because he simply didn't meet the selection criteria, New Zealand Rugby has explained.

All Blacks outside back Piutau had sought a contract which would allow him to play the first 11 rounds of the 2016 competition before leaving to take up a two-year contract in Northern Ireland with Ulster.

NZ Rugby chief executive Steve Tew fended off speculation the 23-year-old was blocked because of his reported poor communication with the national body before announcing his departure. Piutau had reportedly been deep in negotiations at the time to extend his New Zealand contract.

In a statement on allblacks.com, Tew said his organisation had a long-standing policy which states a player must have played at least five Super Rugby seasons before such a short-term contract would be considered.

"We obviously treat each case on its merits. However, in terms of Piutau, his case doesn't meet our criteria. "He's played fewer than five Super Rugby seasons, and was not available for the full 2016 season. He's also departing New Zealand for some time."

Tew said allowing Piutau to play would have sent the wrong message about the level of commitment required to play in New Zealand's competitions. He said the policy was largely to reward loyalty and longevity from domestic players.

© AAP

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