Relief as missing player makes contact

NZ-born Leroy Houston, who plays for the NSW Waratahs, has not been seen since Monday but phoned his family today. Chris McGrath / Getty Images

Troubled New Zealand-born rugby player and rookie Wallaby Leroy Houston has made contact with his family today, easing concerns about his safety since he went missing on Monday.

The 19-year-old, who was a bolter on last year's Wallabies tour of Europe, had been staying with friends after leaving home after a family argument.

A New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) spokesperson said it was too early to say whether Houston would be disciplined after missing all of the Waratahs' training sessions this week.

However, he has been withdrawn from the Waratahs' 26-man squad which leaves for two games in South Africa after tomorrow's opening round Super 14 clash against the Reds in Brisbane.

The NSWRU's Pacific Islander liaison officer, Kilimasi (Masi) Aho, has been working through the issue with Houston's family.

NSWRU chief executive Fraser Neill told The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper: "While Leroy is a Maori, Masi has lived in New Zealand most of his life, so he's very familiar with the issues there as well.

"And I think that's a very important part of that as well, the cultural sort of issues, being sensitive to them and being appreciative to what those issues are and dealing with it accordingly."

Aho stressed that cultural influences in family situations made for particularly delicate negotiations when offering support.

"It's just a family issue and like all Pacific Islander, Maori and indigenous families, they've all got emotions within them and it's important that they're respected in that way," he said.

"I'm keeping in touch with the family and we have a kaumatua on board and we're giving them support and care at this point in time."

- NZPA