Rugby: Snell says no to All Blacks

The All Blacks were ready to roll out the red carpet, but it seems Sir Peter Snell isn't keen to retrace his gold medal-winning steps at the National Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday.

Despite coach Graham Henry saying he's been told the New Zealand track great would fulfil his role as guest of honour at Saturday's Bledisloe Cup test, Snell poured cold water on the idea.

"No, I'm not, I'm not planning to do that," he told TVNZ.

"I've just had another New Zealand trip and I probably can't make it, much as I'd like to."

The invitation for the double 1964 Olympic gold medallist was issued by the Japan Rugby Union (JRU), who expected Snell would make the trip from his Texas base.

But late yesterday a JRU spokesman said Snell had declined the offer to return to the National Stadium, 45 years after his golden deeds.

The All Blacks have based some of their buildup around Snell's achievements this week, and Henry was still under the impression their special guest would be present.

"I think it's fabulous. We're playing at the same venue, the Olympic Stadium where he won the gold medals. I was young enough to be able to see that. It was a very special Olympics for New Zealand for one guy to win two gold medals in major events," Henry said.

"I've heard he's coming so we hope he does, because he'll be inspirational to the team, what he's achieved with three gold medals in two Olympics, he's one of our highest achievers in sport."

- NZPA