McAlister, NZRU in contract stand-off

The New Zealand Rugby Union expressed its disappointed with Luke McAlister, who has sought an early release from his NZRU contract.

And the discarded All Black, McAlister, also did not endear himself to his province when he failed to turn up at North Harbour training, prompting coach Liam Barry to omit him from the squad for North Harbour's NPC opener against Otago.

He's signed a three-year deal with French club Toulouse, but is contracted to the NZRU until the end of the domestic season.

CEO Steve Tew's confirmed McAlister wants out, but he's not happy about it.

Tew said if they continue to let players out of contracts early they are starting to reward poor behaviour. He added that if a player is not interested in playing in that environment and they can come to a commercial arrangement with him and his club, they will consider releasing him.

The General Manager of Professional Rugby at the NZRU, Neil Sorensen, said they're trying to negotiate a release settlement from Toulouse.

Sorensen said McAlister is an incredibly talented player, but will be remembered as one that never reached his full potential.

He conceded they have not got value for money in bringing McAlister back from England two years ago and it won't be welcoming him back a second time.

A favourite of All Blacks coach Graham Henry, the NZRU lured McAlister back in 2009 after he joined English club Sale, following the 2007 World Cup.

* Meanwhile the North Harbour Rugby Union expressed complete surprise with reports that McAlister is no longer with the team.

North Harbour Chief Executive Brett Hollister told ONE News after a meeting that nothing had changed and McAlister would be attending their next team training on Saturday.

"There's clearly been a communication breakdown, he understands that and he's committed to being there Saturday morning," Hollister said.

Just how long the 30-Test veteran will continue to turn out for North Harbour though remains to be seen, with the NZRU currently working out the terms of a potential release.