Their double Olympic champion may be working with Dick Tonks, but Rowing New Zealand are still keeping their distance

Mahe Drysdale is training with his former coach in Canada, a move which the governing body has backed.

Tonks has coached several Kiwi athletes to Olympic medals, but is now a controversial figure within Rowing NZ after he chose to work with a Chinese crew at Lake Karapiro against Rowing New Zealand's wishes.

CEO Simon Peterson says Drysdale is welcome to work with Tonks but had this to say when asked about his body's relationship with him.



Drysdale will return to the New Zealand summer squad next month, once he completes his three week stint.