Force fights for recruit

Force fights for recruit

http://saturn.tiser.com.au/images/AE1.gif




Wayne Smith | February 11, 2008


IT is not just whaling that's straining the Australia-Japan relationship. Western Force backrower Tamaiti Horua is caught in a tug-of-war between the two countries.

The Force embarks tomorrow for its three-match tour of South Africa and wants to take new recruit Horua. Chances are he would not be selected for the opening match against the Sharks in Durban on Friday or the second fixture against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein because of a concussion sustained while playing for Toyota Verblitz in the Japan Top League, but the Force is keen to integrate him into the squad as quickly as possible.

The 26-year-old remains under contract to Toyota which next weekend will meet Suntory in the Top League semi-final. "We're still waiting for his release to come through," a Force spokesman said yesterday.

Horua possibly excluded, the Force will leave behind only two of its established stars, with James Hilgendorf (hamstring) and Junior Pelesasa (knee) injured.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au...012430,00.html

So why is the release taking so long to come through....he's over here, so can't play for them, why would Toyota still want to be liable for medical bills etc when he's training for another club. Surely they would either take action to force him home to finish the season or cut him off!

My understanding was that he is not over here because of his contractual obligations, which was why he didn't play against the Reds.

Oh... I thought he was training?

Well that makes a whole lot more sense! He'll just have to lose the semi final for them, can guarantee his contract negotiations will speed up then!