Mayerhofler comes home

By WYNNE GRAY

Midfielder Mark Mayerhofler is the latest former All Black to be available again for North Harbour.

The 28-year-old signed on with the union yesterday, returning to his original province after a spell with Canterbury and the last season with Grenoble in France.

"It was time to come back home," he said. "It was a family thing, really."

Mayerhofler and his wife, Jayne, have one son, and another child due soon, and wanted to be close to their families, who live in the North Harbour region.

Mayerhofler played his six tests for the All Blacks in 1998 after moving from Harbour, where a regular place was blocked by Walter Little, to Canterbury and the Crusaders.

His return will bolster the player depth in Harbour this season, with Glen Osborne and Liam Barry both back and recuperating well from leg injuries.

The vastly-experienced Frano Botica is also returning and will be available for another season, while Tonga prop Tevita Taumoepeau will be ready for the NPC after playing in the PacRim tournament.

"It has taken us a long time to get back home ... we have struggled a bit being away," Mayerhofler said.

He has had some time away from rugby, but expects to turn out for his old Glenfield club in a week or so.