Union unaware Hoeft was planning to head offshore

A communication bungle of staggering proportions looks to have occurred between former All Black Carl Hoeft and the Otago rugby union.

It appears Hoeft is on his way to France to play for the Castres club but unfortunately it seems he has failed to inform the union. Carl Hoeft is listed as a new player with the club on a L'Equipe newspaper website list, meaning he will join up with former All Black propping partner Kees Meeuws.

Otago CEO Russell Gray says it would be news to him, even if Carl Hoeft is in the twilight of his career and looking at options offshore.

Russell Gray says the prop has been contracted for this year's NPC and the union had been hoping to extend his deal to next year's Super 14. He says to his knowledge Carl Hoeft has not sought a release from the Otago union which he needs to do before heading offshore.

- NEWSTALK ZB