Rush rethink on Ulster

XAVIER RUSH wants to remain at the Cardiff Blues despite signing a two-year contract four months ago agreeing to join Ulster during the summer.

The 32-year-old New Zealand-born number eight is exploring the possibility of remaining with the Welsh franchise with whom he won the Amlin Challenge Cup final in Marseilles on Sunday.

Rush’s change of heart is thought to be for personal rather than rugby reasons but extricating himself from the contract he signed to join Ulster will – assuming there are no legal loopholes – be down to the Irish province. Blues coach Dai Young told BBC Sport Wales: “He’s in discussions with Ulster and us. He did make a statement early doors, but obviously it’s up to him; we can’t do anything about it. We would love for him to stay but it’s up to him to make that decision . . . It’s out of our hands pretty much.”

Therein lies the kernel of the issue for the eight-times capped All Black, who has spent five seasons with Cardiff, as he must persuade Ulster to release him from his written commitment. While the Irish province won’t want to sign an “unhappy player” they might consider releasing him from his obligation on foot of financial compensation from Cardiff.

Recently the Northampton Saints are reputed to have paid €233,000 to Saracens to keep Tongan prop Soane Tonga’uiha at the club after the latter signed an agreement to join the Londoners.

Chris Henry, who picked up three awards at the Ulster dinner last week, captained the province from number eight in the season just past, his form earning him a place on Ireland’s upcoming tour to New Zealand and Australia. Ulster coach Brian McLaughlin has excellent options in the backrow with Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, David Pollack, TJ Anderson and the soon to be Irish qualified Robbie Diack joining Henry but that doesn’t mean he will be in any rush to let Xavier go.