Cape Town - New Zealand Rugby have managed to secure the contract of rugby league star Etene Nanai-Seturo after protracted negotiations with his club.

Rugby league club the New Zealand Warriors signed Nanai-Seturo as a 15-year-old on a five-year contract in 2015 but the player and his lawyers failed to recognise the deal due to Nanai-Seturo not having been of age at the time.

Nanai-Seturo has featured for New Zealand Sevens in their last two tournaments which infuriated the Warriors but after "a productive meeting", an agreement was finally reached.

"We have an enormous amount of respect for each other's organisations and we wish each other every success in our respective codes," NZR general manager Neil Sorensen stated to Stuff.

"We have also agreed on protocols to be followed where either of us is made aware of any player who is interested in changing codes in the middle of their employment. Under those protocols we will be able to avoid this situation arising again in future."

Meanwhile, Warriors chief executive Cameron George said the decision was made in the best interests of the continued amicable relationship between Warriors and New Zealand rugby. 

"We need to work together when faced with these situations and it is not in either of our interests for these matters to be aired in public," George said.

"The Warriors wish Etene well with his career."

As part of the agreement, the parties have agreed no further comments will be made on any matter concerning the dispute.