Rumours circulating on social media suggested the 25-year-old had signed with the Warriors, who are in the market for another back.
But Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley confirmed Vaha’akolo had a contract with Otago for next season and had not sought a release.
"We’ve been aware that he has been up in Auckland and had done some training with the Warriors," Kinley said.
"If he had approached us about terminating, I’d tell you, but I’ve had no contact with him or his agent."
A spokesman for the Warriors confirmed Vaha’akolo had not signed with the league club.
Vaha’akolo moved to Dunedin in 2020 to chase his dream of playing Super Rugby and made a real impact for Otago at NPC level that year.
He scored seven tries in his rookie season and has gone on to make 29 appearances for Otago and three for the Highlanders.
His life story captured hearts.
He was homeless for a period during his teenage years before turning his life around and eventually gaining an accountancy degree.
His sister, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, plays rugby league for the Kiwi Ferns and the Newcastle Knights and lists her brother as one of her sporting inspirations.
