Intellectual property issues hamper McLean job bid

The Canterbury Rugby Union (CRFU) says "intellectual property" concerns were part of its decision not to allow Aussie McLean to coach Canterbury in the NPC and the Hurricanes in the Super 14.

McLean was successfully head-hunted by the Hurricanes to join their coaching team led by head coach Colin Cooper.

He has a two-year contract with the Wellington-based franchise, but wanted to return to Christchurch to coach Canterbury in the NPC.

However, his request was vetoed by the CRFU board and McLean -- who had a three-year contract with Canterbury -- then opted to accept the Hurricanes position because of his desire to coach at Super 14 level.

"We were really keen for Aussie to remain coaching Canterbury," CRFU chief executive Hamish Riach said today.

"But we were not quite so keen that his knowledge and his skills would go to a domestic competitor and we felt they (Wellington) were hoping he would stay.

"Intellectual property was an issue, for sure."

Riach said there was also concern "in and around the (NPC) head coach not being around Canterbury rugby for the first part of the year".

He said the CRFU had still hoped McLean would decide to stay after conveying its decision to him.

"But we understand his motivation and the opportunity he has and clearly understand the reasons for his decision."

Riach agreed there were "certain parallels" between McLean's situation and that of Crusaders assistant-coach Vern Cotter, who is head coach of the Bay of Plenty NPC team who will challenge Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield next week.

But he said the Canterbury and Crusaders boards were "two separate organisations and completely different groups of people".

The key difference between the two scenarios was Bay of Plenty were happy for Cotter to hold both roles.

"But the Canterbury board has looked at it a little bit differently from the point of view of Aussie."

The Crusaders' coaching staff for the 2006 Super 14 may not be confirmed for another six weeks.

Robbie Deans, Cotter and McLean's Canterbury NPC co-coach Rob Penney guided the Crusaders to a record fifth Super 12 title this year.

- NZPA