Tasman say no to Squire

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However, Premiership Rugby is adamant it is committed to following through with a testing programme, which is likely to cost a minimum of NZ$39,000 a week.

That is a high price to pay in the midst of an unprecedented financial crisis, however a testing regime is seen as a prerequisite of the Rugby Players’ Association in its negotiations to ensure the safe return to play.

The cost of insuring Liam Squire has erased Tasman’s hopes of signing the ex-All Black for its Mitre 10 premiership title defence later this year.

Although contracted to Japanese club NTT Docomo Hurricanes for two seasons, Squire has returned to New Zealand due to the Top League competition being cancelled because of Covid-19.

Recruiting the 23-test loose forward, who has played 47 games for Tasman, would undoubtedly be welcomed by rugby followers at the top of the South Island but Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis said he won’t take the field for the Mako because of financial reasons.

‘‘The one thing I do know, as much as the media and public speculates, is that the sheer cost of insuring Liam’s participation in the Mitre 10 Cup in case of injury would make it absolutely impossible for Tasman to afford,’’ Lewis said.

Lewis has no doubt Squire, 29, would relish the opportunity to operate alongside his old teammates and clock-up 50 games for the province but said the insurance premium was too prohibitive.

While Lewis wouldn’t divulge the price for insuring Squire he acknowledged it would be ‘‘more than $10,000 – more like tens of thousands’’.

So for now, Squire, a man who loves the great outdoors and pig hunting, will have to keep his rugby gear in the cupboard until the new Top League season starts.

Squire made nine appearances for Tasman last year, and started at blindside flanker when they beat Wellington 31-14 in the premiership final in Nelson.

Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read, who is contracted to Japanese club Toyota Verblitz, recently signalled he was keen to play in the Mitre 10 Cup but in these straitened times it may be difficult for a union to cover his insurance fees.