Califano may lose out

Christian Califano's days in New Zealand could be numbered. Last Monday Kees Meeuws signed for Auckland, as did his Otago team-mate Byron Kelleher. The arrival of All Black test prop Meeuws is likely to have a huge impact on Califano's Super 12 prospects. For Meeuws, a product of Kelston Boys' High in Auckland, it has been a matter of coming home. He in fact played three times for Auckland before moving to Dunedin. His presence will pose a bit of a problem for the experienced French tighthead, Califano (right), who in April signed a year's contract with Auckland.

The New Zealand Rugby Union policy is that only in the case of a positional shortage is a non-New Zealander allowed to play in Super 12 - unless he has come from one of the islands. The Blues have applied to the NZRU for permission to use Califano. Were the request turned down, it would be a severe blow to Califano's ambitions in going to New Zealand. He wanted to test himself in New Zealand and experience Super 12 rugby. Califano is 29 and has played 65 Tests. Meeuws is 27 and has played 18, not so far fulfilling the promise he showed just after leaving school.