Rugby: Ralph not yet clear

By Wynne Gray

The Caleb Ralph rugby wrangle is going to arbitration.

After further discussions yesterday between Ralph, his agent and the utility backs current employers, the Auckland Rugby Union, made no advance on his requested transfer to Canterbury, it was agreed the impasse had to be dealt with by a mediator.

Asked why the ARU wanted to block Ralph's shift when he appeared intent on the move, ARU chief executive Geoff Hipkins said talks with the player during the NPC suggested he was happy in Auckland.

"I guess we have reason to question his state of mind," said Hipkins.

An arbitration hearing would be between the ARU and Ralph in front of a single commissioner agreed on by both parties. If that was not possible a panel of three would then be appointed.