Queensland have denied speculation Wallabies winger Digby Ioane is unhappy at the Reds and plans to break his lucrative three-year contract at the end of the current Super Rugby season.
Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie and captain James Horwill both disputed a News Ltd report on Monday that Ioane had fallen out with the Queensland Rugby Union administration and would leave the 2011 champions.
The 34-Test finisher is among the best wingers in the world and is currently one of Australia’s highest-paid players.
The newspaper report claimed Ioane was unhappy after being one of several players, including Horwill, taking issue over a third-party payment and was now hoping to play interstate.
But Horwill denied he was in dispute with the Reds over any contractual matters and would be surprised if Ioane wanted to leave.
“That’s completely untrue from my end,” said Horwill, who added his plan is to remain with the Reds.
“I’d find it very difficult to play for another team other than the Reds, in Australia.
“I know Digby and, talking to him throughout the year, he loves playing for the Reds and loves playing for Australia but in the end everyone has their own situation and must weigh up how they feel.”
Ioane signed his three-year contract with the Reds and Australian Rugby Union, set to take him through to the end of next year, in late 2011.
McKenzie was unaware the 27-year-old had any problems and felt the report was typical of the player negotiation game.
“I’m not too stressed about it. Digby is out there playing good rugby for us so I’m happy about that,” he said.
“There’s some journalists out there who like writing speculative pieces without much substance so I will give it that much credence.
“You can’t respond to everything written in the paper otherwise you would be very busy.”
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