Wassamatta? Scared our boys are gonna beat you up?
Canada bans rugby stars
23 July 2003
By TOBY ROBSON
Hurricanes first-five Riki Flutey is one of three New Zealand Maori rugby players whose brushes with the law have forced them out of the upcoming three-match tour of Canada.
Flutey, Matua Parkinson and Reece Robinson were yesterday taken out of the squad after Canadian authorities refused them entry.
Flutey's bad luck is his friend Shannon Paku's good fortune. Former Hurricane Paku has been called in, along with Waikato flanker Wayne McEntee and Otago lock Warren Smith.
Flutey has a court case pending in Argentina after he was arrested in December 2001 for allegedly punching 18-year-old Gabriel Capotosti outside a mini-mart in Rosario while on tour with the Wellington rugby academy.
The Canadians would not allow North Harbour flanker Parkinson in because of a drink-driving conviction in 2000, while Taranaki lock Robinson has an assault conviction for his part in a fight in a Napier pub in November.
Flutey's case did not stop him travelling with the Hurricanes to South Africa and Australia during this season's Super 12.
New Zealand Rugby Football Union deputy chief executive Steve Tew said yesterday it became clear last week the trio could have problems getting into Canada.
"We've been dealing with the Canadian high commission and Canadian immigration laws have been strengthened recently.
"It is unfortunate for those players that have to remain in New Zealand but we cannot do anything about the laws of another country."
Tew said the Canadian high commission in New Zealand had tried its best to help.
The Maori side leave for Canada today. They play two tests in Calgary and Toronto, and a match against the Rugby Canada All Stars in Ottawa.
New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou said he was disappointed for the players concerned.
"As a coach, player availability always affects your preparation. This situation is no different and as a squad we have to make adjustments."
