Dawson dismisses British advances

Sitiveni Sivivatu

British rugby clubs are chasing Waikato's Isaac Boss and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

However, Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Gary Dawson said both were tied to contracts in New Zealand and unlikely to leave.

Boss, who missed out on the Chiefs' Super 12 squad for 2005 but was drafted to the Hurricanes, is being courted by Irish club Ulster.

It is understood that Ireland are also interested in halfback Boss, who would be eligible to play for the national team through a grandparent.

Boss is contracted to Waikato until the end of 2005.

"There's not really anything to be said about that," Boss said when asked about the Ulster offer.

"I'm going down to the Hurricanes next year and I'm contracted to them.

"I don't really worry about that stuff until after I come off contract."

Fijian-born Sivivatu will become eligible to play for the All Blacks next month but has reportedly been offered $750,000 a year by an unnamed English club.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has said Sivivatu will be in the test frame and his contract was extended this year by the New Zealand Rugby Union until 2007.

Dawson said it was nothing new for British clubs to chase New Zealand players, but there was little chance of Sivivatu going anywhere.

"I think the whole thing's been sensationalised," he said.

"I can't see New Zealand releasing him from his contract. I'm not concerned about it at all."

Sivivatu starred for the Chiefs as they reached the semifinals this year.

Boss was the back-up halfback to Byron Kelleher in the Chiefs and for Waikato in the NPC. He showed his utility value for the NPC team at fullback.

- NZPA