Fitzpatrick joins Kiwi row

ALL BLACK legend Sean Fitzpatrick has defended the Irish provinces’ right to sign Kiwi talent in the face of stinging criticism from New Zealand rugby’s top official, but has questioned whether such a policy is in the best interests of the game here.

It was New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew who launched a blistering attack on the IRFU yesterday when bemoaning the loss of Crusaders fly-half Matt Berquist to Leinster and a catalogue of other potential south-north defections.

Ulster are said to have offered €1million to lure All Black prop John Afoa and Blues centre Jared Payne to Ravenhill. Another Test centre, Cory Jane, is being linked with a move to Belfast while Munster have been mentioned as a possible destination for Blues midfielder Benson Stanley.