NZ Rugby win fight for Warriors player

The cross-code dispute between one of the hottest young prospects in the country is over and rugby have got their man.

Etene Nanai-Seturo is free to continue his career with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) after they reached an agreement with the Warriors following mediation.

A statement from both parties said that Nanai-Seturo, who had played in two tournaments with the NZ Sevens team despite having a contract with the Warriors, has been released from all his obligations to the Auckland-based rugby league club. All terms and conditions of the release are confidential.

The Warriors signed NanaiSeturo as a 15-year-old to a fiveyear deal in 2015 but received a resignation letter last year from the player’s lawyers, claiming the contract wasn’t binding due to his age when signing.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George was incensed to see him turn out for the NZ sevens side in Sydney and Hamilton earlier this month, slamming NZR for a lack of respect while threatening legal action.

However, NZR general manager rugby Neil Sorensen said they had a ‘‘productive meeting’’ with the Warriors which resulted in an amicable outcome for both parties.

The saga highlighted the issues with signing teenagers to professional contracts.

Sorensen added they had agreed on protocols regarding contracted players switching between the two codes.

‘‘We have an enormous amount of respect for each other’s organisations and we wish each other every success,’’ he said.

‘‘We have also agreed on protocols to be followed where either of us is made aware of any player who is interested in changing codes in the middle of their employment.’’