Promising Auckland lock Jack Whetton has ignored a wider training group place with the Blues to sign a deal with the Brumbies for next year's Super 15 series.
That decision has caused some friction within the Blues as Whetton's father, Gary, is on the new board charged with fostering rugbyin the region.
The Blues signed former All Black lock Tom Donnelly to work through the next campaign with Culum Retallick, Liaki Moli and Patrick Tuipulotu with the intention of using Whetton in the wider training group.
But the 21-year-old, who has played club rugby in North Harbour, Auckland and in the ITM Cup for Northland and Auckland, has accepted an offer to join the Brumbies.
Industry sources confirmed Whetton had agreed to a one-year deal and was also eligible for selection in Australian rep sides.
The Brumbies began their pre-season training several weeks ago and Whetton is expected to cross the Tasman shortly. His arrival will fill a gap left by Etienne Oosthuizen's return to South Africa.
Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher are running the squad and vying for the coach's job.
