Bay up the ante in Senio tug of war

Kevin Senio will decide next week where he will be playing his rugby in 2006 after Bay of Plenty upped the ante in their battle with Canterbury for the halfback's signature.

Bay of Plenty officials confirmed they had made an improved offer to Senio, 27, this week as the wealthy Canterbury union hone in.

"We are desperately keen to hold on to him. He's huge for our rugby," Bay of Plenty manager Craig Morris told the New Zealand Herald.

"It's vital Kevin stays put for Bay rugby. He fits into our culture superbly."

Adding intrigue to Senio's decision is this weekend's second round NPC match when Bay of Plenty travel to Christchurch to face Canterbury.

Senio is rated the third best halfback in New Zealand behind his Chiefs Super 12 teammate Byron Kelleher and Piri Weepu, and was summoned to the All Blacks squad last week to cover for an injured Kelleher.

Canterbury are understood to be seeking a seasoned replacement for the departed Justin Marshall, with the promising Jamie Nutbrown now their No 1.

Morris said the Bay, who won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time last year and reached the NPC semifinals, understood Senio's situation.

The union would not stand in his way, but hoped the new offer would help to persuade him to stay put next year.

Senio's manager Bruce Sharrock hoped the matter would be resolved by the end of next week.

"There's a number of factors we need to address, but we don't want it dragging on," Sharrock said.

- NZPA