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Brisbane Global Tens organisers have expressed surprise over New Zealand Rugby's reported refusal to allow All Blacks stars playing in the inaugural competition.
At least 10 current All Blacks were set to play in the pre-Super Rugby tournament, including fullback Israel Dagg, who is an ambassador alongside Wallabies pin-up Israel Folau.
But Dagg and his Kiwi teammates' involvement is in doubt, with NZ Rugby obliged under the players' collective bargaining agreement to provide them with a 12-week break from the game.
The tournament, to be held at Suncorp Stadium on February 11-12, is set to fall too soon since the All Blacks' last European tour match against France on November 27.
In a move that could threaten the inaugural tournament's star power, franchises have been instructed by NZ Rugby not to make players available, the New Zealand Herald reports.
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/un...23-gtxd0l.html