Mauger Leicester decision made
Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:27
All Black and Tigers star Aaron Mauger
All Black star Aaron Mauger has confirmed that he will leave the Leicester Tigers at the end of the season in order to try and win a place in his countries squad ahead of the World Cup, to be staged in New Zealand, in 2011.
Mauger, currently one of two vice-captains in Richard Cockerill's Tigers squad, had been rumoured to be considering a move back to Canterbury for some time but only confirmed his decision on Thursday.
Speaking to the Leicester Mercury, Mauger said that he was determined to add to his 46 caps for the All Blacks and that he was looking forward to once again 'settling down' in Canterbury.
The 29-year-old confirmed that his decision had been prompted by a meeting he had with the New Zealand management during the recent November international season but said that he had certainly not been guaranteed a World Cup slot if he were to return.
"I am leaving Leicester, which is pretty sad, but I want to go back to New Zealand and look at the opportunities of playing over there again with an eye on the World Cup," he said.
"My desire is to play again for the All Blacks and Canterbury and give it my best crack.
"I have talked to the All Blacks coaches. I caught up with them during their autumn tour and have had some discussions through my agent with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) about a possible contract.
"We are sorting out that [central contract] now. It just depends on me being in the right space to sign something.
"I won'' sign anything until I am 100 per cent sure that I can give it my best shot because my body has been playing up over the last couple of years.
"I know there are no guarantees but the correspondence I have had with the NZRU has been pretty positive.
"They want me to give it my best shot and, if I am playing well enough, I will be in with a chance of making the All Blacks squad.
"We want to live in Canterbury. We have a house there and that is where we want to settle. We want the kids to go to school in the country where we will be based and have a chance to spend more time with our family."
Speaking about his time in Leicester, Mauger said he had thoroughly enjoyed the experienced and been very pleased with the love and support he had felt from the Welford Road faithful.
"We have made some lifelong friends here and have loved our time living in Kibworth," said Mauger. "It's a fantastic village.
"The club have been great to me and Leicester has the best fans I have ever come across.
"All of us foreign players acknowledge the support of the fans and it feels amazing to run out at Welford Road with everyone shouting. It has been an awesome experience here."
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