James wants to join Hurricanes

1.00pm

Taranaki first five-eighth Brock James has declared his Super 12 intentions and wants to play for the Hurricanes.

Coach Colin Cooper confirmed that James, a former Australian Colt and sevens player, wants to play for him in next year's Super 12.

"I haven't spoken to him but he has told people close to me that he wants to play for the Hurricanes. He is pretty committed to the Hurricanes," Cooper said.

The red tape standing in James' way will be sorted out today when Cooper fronts the Rugby Union's board of directors in Napier.

Cooper will present his case to the board's rugby committee of Mike Eagle, Paul Quinn, Graham Mourie and Ivan Haines with a decision expected tomorrow.

That announcement comes a day after Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said the Sydney-born first five-eighth, who has been turning heads playing for Taranaki in the NPC, was a contender for his Super 12 squad.

"I've been watching the tapes and his form is good," McKenzie said.

"He's one of a couple of options we're considering, the lad is playing well."

Cooper said James had a New Zealand girlfriend "and he quite likes Taranaki", the Dominion Post reported.

He has a one-year deal with Taranaki but it includes a right of renewal for next year and James, who will not comment on the Super 12, has confirmed he is "looking to stay another year at least".

The problem for Cooper is that because James played sevens for Australia last year he is only available to the Wallabies.

The Rugby Union prefers to pick players who could play for the All Blacks.

Exceptions are widely made for Pacific island players and were granted for England prop Kevin Yates, French prop Christian Califano, and South Africans Joggie Viljoen and Greg Rawlinson.

Cooper will try to convince the board that those precedents, coupled with the loss of David Holwell to Ireland and the departure of Glen Jackson to Saracens, leaves the cupboard bare at first five-eighth for the Hurricanes.

James, 22, could be a mini-coup for the Hurricanes if his pedigree is any indication.

He was part of the Australian Colts side that included Matt Giteau, Mark Gerrard, Morgan Turinui, Mark Chisholm and Nic Henderson, who were named this week in the Wallaby squad to tour Europe in November.

If James is not available Cooper will be hoping Auckland's Tasesa Lavea or one of the four possible first five-eighths at the Crusaders is released to the draft.

None were this year with Crusaders coach Robbie Deans naming Daniel Carter as reserve halfback to ensure he was part of his protected 24.

The Rugby Union has tried to close that loophole this year by stating coaches have to name their starting 15, four reserve forwards and three backs.

However, players 23 and 24 can be either forwards or backs so key back-up players can still be protected in those slots.

The five New Zealand Super 12 squads include 28 players and will be named a few days after the NPC final on October 23.

- NZPA

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