Nacewa off to Ireland
Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:43
One of Auckland and the Blues' most versatile backs, Isa Nacewa, will play his rugby in Ireland next season.
The 25-year-old has signed with the Leinster province in Ireland and will join them later this year at the conclusion of his contractual obligations in New Zealand.
Nacewa will not be available for Auckland in this year's Air New Zealand Cup.
Nacewa said making the decision was difficult.
"I really enjoy playing for the Blues and Auckland but am very aware I have to make the most of my playing career while I can," he said in a statement on the Blues website.
"All of us in this game know it is for a finite time-period so it really comes down to making smart decisions short and long-term
"Having a shot at the All Blacks was and will continue to be my long-term goal. But the reality is that's not an option for me right now so I have to get on with my career."
At the 2003
World Cup, a 21-year-old Nacewa was called into the Fiji squad and spent two minutes on the field. At the time he had no idea this would render him ineligible to ever play for New Zealand.
News of Nacewa's departure has been a tough blow for both the Blues' and Auckland, but it comes as no surprise.
"Isa has been in demand for quite some time. He is such an outstanding player to have in your line-up and has the ability to cover nearly every backline position. His authority and leadership within this squad is exemplary and Leinster is very fortunate to have him," says Blues' coach David Nucifora.
Blues and Auckland CEO Andy Dalton commends Nacewa for his loyalty.
"We have been aware of Isa's popularity overseas and duly impressed at his ability to resist tempting offers in order to continue playing for us and pursue the right to wear a black jersey. It is a shame Isa is even in this predicament and I hope long-term
there will be a way he can play for the country he was born and raised in. Either way, our doors will always be open to him."
Born in New Zealand, Nacewa began playing rugby at the age of five and first gained provincial selection as a 20-year-old.
He made his Blues debut in 2005 against the Highlanders (54 caps for Auckland, 40 caps for the Blues).
