Muliaina signs with Waikato

Mils Muliaina

All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina has completed his rugby transfer from Auckland to Waikato, signing all necessary documentation in South Africa today.

The contract he signed in Durban while preparing for Saturday's Tri-Nations test against South Africa in Cape Town will see him play for Waikato in the 2006 and 2007 NPC premier division. He will be an automatic choice for the Chiefs Super 14 squad.

Muliaina, who will play his 30th test in the unfamiliar left wing position, will play out his last season with Auckland in the upcoming NPC first division.

Auckland Rugby Union chief executive David White said the union was disappointed to lose the services of one of the world's best backs, they accepted his decision.

"Auckland Rugby worked very hard and exhausted all avenues to secure Mils's services for the future and our contract offer was one of the most attractive we have put to any player in my time at the union," White said in a statement.

"Unfortunately this has not been enough to keep him in the Auckland province.

"Mils has risen through our various player development programmes to become a prominent player within the current All Blacks team and has enjoyed much success with Auckland and the Blues."

White said it created opportunities for several young outside backs in Auckland rugby, including Brent Ward, Ben Atiga, Isa Nacewa, and Isiah Toe'ava.

Muliaina shifted from Southland to Auckland in 1998 on a scholarship to Kelston Boys High School.

Fraud allegations earlier this year involving Muliaina's girlfriend Hayley Armstrong and her former employer, the ARU, are reportedly a key reason for the shift.

Armstrong was the ARU's events manager until last December. She was under police investigation by the company fraud squad but the ARU board withdrew its complaint in a show of support for Muliaina. Missing money has been repaid.

Earlier this week White intimated it had prompted Muliaina's desire to move.

"I think his motivation for a possible move has involved off-field issues beyond anyone's control ... unfortunately it involves issues beyond rugby."

- NZPA