Rugby: Counties centre returns with sights on Super 12

By Chris Rattue

George Leaupepe will rejoin the Counties Manukau NPC ranks this season, and is on the road to making a full return to New Zealand rugby.

The 24-year-old quit New Zealand last year to join English second division club Bristol, who have since won promotion.

The game-breaking centre has received a clearance from Bristol, even though there is a year left on his contract.

His agent Roger Mortimer said Leaupepe will be available to the Steelers for up to five NPC matches, before joining Manu Samoa's World Cup campaign.

Mortimer plans to open talks with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union next week about securing Leaupepe a Super 12 contract, with the Chiefs being the natural target.

"In consultation with Manu Samoa's coach Bryan Williams, he will be available for Counties Manukau for up to five games," said Mortimer.

"Bristol are amenable to him not going back at all. If something comes up, they won't stand in his way, and they don't want a player who might not be entirely happy.

"George was never settled in the Super 12 previously and we will look for a permanent place in a Super 12 side. The midfield options have changed since he left New Zealand."

Mortimer said a contract in South Africa or Australia was a remote possibility.

Leaupepe said last night: "I would love to come back to the Super 12.

"I've still got a few things to prove to a few people.".

"I've missed home and the people here. My partner and I both come from extended families and we are used to that sort of life.

"The rugby over there is also a bit disappointing, especially the refereeing standards. Some of the teams were pretty negative the way they played although you did strike some that were open. But I wouldn't put it on a par with the NPC.

"The club warm-up games start in England in August ... I've got a clearance to be away until after the World Cup."

The loss of Leaupepe and fellow midfield back Tony Marsh to overseas clubs at the end of last year was a major blow to Counties Manukau, particularly as both were in their prime.

They were among the top-quality players who fell through the cracks in the centrally controlled New Zealand contract system, which pays high rewards to All Blacks. In Leaupepe's case, he is denied the chance for a top-level contract because he plays for Manu Samoa.

Leaupepe had a disrupted Super 12 career even though he was rated by some as the best centre in the country, and headed to Bristol just when he looked ready to have a major impact in the competition.

He had eight matches for the Hurricanes last year. But that was his only significant Super 12 game time in a roving career which included just three games for a struggling Otago team in the inaugural 1996 Super 12. Leaupepe injured an Achilles tendon the following season and was forced out of the Blues squad before the competition started.

Counties Manukau start their NPC campaign against Southland at Pukekohe on August 15. Their round five match is against Otago on September 11, three weeks before the World Cup begins in the British Isles and France.