Northland await ruling on Huxley

Northland rugby officials are anxiously waiting for an official clearance to play Australian import Julian Huxley after Bay of Plenty used an allegedly unregistered player in their Ranfurly Shield challenge win over Auckland last weekend.

The New Zealand Rugby Union mounted the inquiry after loose forward Colin Bourke came off the Bay of Plenty bench to help beat Auckland 33-28 and claim the shield for the first time.

Huxley's eligibility remains a puzzle as ongoing negotiations with the Queensland Rugby Union are yet to finalise issues surrounding his insurance.