Magpie Danny Lee on migration
Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:49
Inspirational Hawke's Bay captain Danny Lee will play his last home game for the Magpies on Sunday, after announcing his proposed departure from the province at the end of the 2008 Air New Zealand (NZ) Cup.
The former All Black scrumhalf has been a solid member for his home province since the Magpies made their return to the provincial top-flight in 2006.
Lee will again captain the Magpies in this weekend's Air NZ Cup quarterfinal clash against Waikato, but has confirmed it will in all likelihood be his final home game at Napier's McLean Park.
"The fact that my first class career began with Hawke's Bay while still at school in 1994, and I have been able to come full circle and return here to play a part in the provinces' re-emergence at Air NZ Cup level, has fulfilled a long held ambition for me," Lee told Yahoo!Xtra Sport.
"I wanted to return to my home province because I felt I had a something to offer and to be able to captain a team that has reignited the Hawke's Bay public's interest in rugby in the region has been a huge thrill."
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union (HBRU) said Lee would leave the Magpies at season's-end to pursue "other opportunities".
Lee's loyal service to New Zealand rugby also includes two Tests for the All Blacks on their 2002 tour of Europe, representation for Counties-Manukau and Otago as well as Super Rugby caps for the Blues and Highlanders respectively.
"Danny has done a fantastic job since his return to Hawke's Bay and he goes with our very best wishes," said HBRU chief executive Mike Bishop.
"When we were promoted to the Air NZ Cup at the end of 2005, it was crucial that we brought more professionalism and experience at playing at the highest level to the squad environment for the challenge that lay ahead.
"Danny has provided all of that.
"His thoroughly professional approach both on and off the field has been a major factor in the Magpies successful transition to this level."
Added coach Peter Russell: "Danny's captaincy and leadership have been crucial elements in our becoming a competitive force at Air NZ Cup level."
