The New Zealand rugby union says it won't be releasing former All Black Luke McAlister without financial compensation from French club Toulouse.
McAlister who missed out on the All Blacks Tri Nations squad has failed to turn up at North Harbour trainings ahead of the provincial competition kicking off this week despite being contracted to the union until the end of the year.
McAlister signed a three year deal with the Toulouse club in June.
The general manager of professional rugby at the NZRU, Neil Sorensen says they're now trying to negotiate a release settlement from Toulouse as it's pointless having a player involved in the competition that doesn't want to be there.
Sorensen says McAlister is an incredibly talented player but will be remembered as one that never reached his full potential.
He concedes it hasn't got value for money in bringing Luke 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 here in 2009 after he joined English club Sale, following the 2007 World Cup.
