Conflicting reports emerging over Luke McAlister's rumoured move to Wales

Social media rumours linking Luke McAlister with a move to the PRO14 have been denied – according to reports.

It has been suggested on Rugby Inside Line on Twitter that the Ospreys had found a replacement for the departing Dan Biggar in form of All Black veteran Luke McAllister.

https://twitter.com/RugbyInsideLine/status/1012259693480370176

However Walesonline are reporting that the Ospreys have dismissed the claim.

The 34-year-old McAlister has enjoyed a storied career in the South of France after leaving the All Black setup in the wake of New Zealand’s 2007 World Cup disaster.

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According to the Welsh website there is no truth the rumours, at least not according to the club themselves.

“No one at the region knows anything about this,” a spokesperson told Walesonline. “There’s nothing in it…It’s news to us all at the Ospreys.”

However Rugby Inside Line pointed out that there had been a similar dismissal of the claim that Dan Biggar was moving to the Northampton Saints on Walesonline, a move that ended up going ahead.

However the party line is that Ospreys are more than satisfied with the services of youngster Sam Davies.

McAlister – renowned for his massive leg muscles – can play both centre and at flyhalf.

The 5’11, 95kg Waitara born back played for Sale Sharks, Toulouse, Toulon and Clermont on loan. He won 30 caps for the All Blacks with 11 coming from the bench.

McAlister was largely seen as an understudy to Dan Carter during his time in New Zealand, and was arguably one of the most talented All Blacks of his generation to turn his back on representing his country in favour of playing in Europe; all at the age of just 23.