Rugby: Otago, Auckland row over Vidiri, Stanley

A row is brewing between two of New Zealand's biggest rugby unions over the attempted crossover transfer of high-profile players Jeremy Stanley and Joeli Vidiri.

A letter obtained by the Herald - written by Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive John Hornbrook to New Zealand Rugby Union official Greg Peters - claims an oral agreement with the Auckland Rugby Football Union to transfer Stanley in return for burly winger Vidiri has not been carried out by Auckland.

Hornbrook wrote that Otago had sent off a transfer form for Stanley, who wants to move back to Auckland, having completed his medical studies in Dunedin.

"We have today been advised by Auckland that as the ... Vidiri transfer form was not signed by the player, the transfer is not valid," the letter, dated December 1, states.

"We therefore withdraw our consent for Jeremy Stanley's transfer to Auckland. We regret the situation ... but our agreement with Auckland has not been performed by them, which leaves us in the position of having to withdraw our consent to Jeremy's transfer."

The oral agreement had been with now departed Auckland chief executive Geoff Hipkins.