ARU sets record straight on Rugby League players

Australian Rugby Union CEO Gary Flowers has hosed down speculation about Rugby League players wanting to play Rugby Union, stressing the ARU has not offered any contracts nor instigated discussion with any players.

Flowers said he wanted to set the record straight given the growing media attention surrounding Mark Gasnier and other Rugby League players.

"It is important for people to know that we are not running around looking for Rugby League players.

"We were approached by Mark Gasnier's management and asked to meet with him, which we have done.

"We have always said that if a player from any code has a genuine interest in playing Rugby Union, we are happy to talk to them.

"In Mark's case, we have had a meeting to discuss his potential in the game but at no stage have we discussed dollars, contracts or timetables.

"Both parties have gone away to assess the options and we may or may not talk again.

"Any mention of what sort of salary he might attract, what position he would be best suited to or which Tooheys New Super 14 team he might play for is entirely speculative.

"The figures that I have seen bandied about are frankly quite ludicrous.

"The same goes for the likes of Karmichael Hunt, Willie Tonga, Anthony Minichiello or Ryan Cross who have been mentioned in the media this week.

Flowers said he was not interested in Rugby League players or their agents using Rugby Union to drive up their value.

"There are two issues at stake here. The agents of Rugby League players who are coming off contract have often used Rugby Union as a way of pumping up their contracts, regardless of whether or not we are interested in them.

"Secondly, there is the issue of the NRL salary cap. This is entirely an issue for Rugby League, but it would be disappointing to think that people are simply using Rugby Union to drive their own agenda on the issue."

"Rugby is an international game that gives players worldwide exposure and opens the doors to wonderful opportunities, so I can understand why players are attracted to the game.

"If a player has a genuine and legitimate interest in our game, that's great. But if they are simply pumping up their own tyres, we are not interested."

Flowers stressed that Rugby Union was spending millions of dollars on developing the next generation of Wallabies.

"The Australian Under 19 team is currently in camp in Coffs Harbour and will fly out for Dubai next week to play against the world's best in the IRB Under 19 Championship.

"The Australian Under 21s will do likewise in June at the World Championship in France.

"These teams are the production line for future Super 14 and Wallaby talent. They may not attract as much media coverage as a meeting with Mark Gasnier, but they are certainly crucial to the future success of the Wallabies, and we will continue investing substantially in them.