Saints won't comment on Kiwi Hape links
Saints are refusing to comment on fresh reports in New Zealand that Kiwi centre Shontayne Hape is set to move to Franklin's Gardens.
The Bradford Bulls star is reportedly aiming to follow Lesley Vainikolo into rugby union and then into the England team, as the New Zealander also qualifies by residency after moving to the Super League in 2003.
Hape, who has played 11 times for New Zealand, was linked with Saints at the start of the season and the New Zealand Herald says 26-year-old has agreed terms with Saints and that the deal is subject only to the granting of a work permit.
Hape is contracted by the Bulls until the end of 2009, but the Herald says he has a get-out clause.
Saints are refusing to comment on the reports on Hape, who starred in the Kiwis' 24-0 Tri-Nations final victory over the Kangaroos in 2005, but has endured three knee reconstructions.
Hape said: "Obviously I am out of contract this year and I've got to assess everything and sit down with my manager.
"I'm coming towards the back end of my career and I need to go where the best deal is for me and my family.
"That may be rugby union but I've been here six years and it could be an incentive to stay and try to play 10 years at Bradford.
"All these rumours are just that. It's nice to be wanted but it's not for now. It's a distraction that's not needed."
Meanwhile, the Wanderers have arranged a friendly with Saracens this Monday at Old Albanians RFC in St Albans.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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