England centre Riki Flutey has announced he is to quit his side London Wasps at the end of the season to return to his native New Zealand.
Those looking at novelty betting note how it is likely the 32-year -old has played his last game for the London side as he is set to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
He said: “My wife and my three kids will first be returning to New Zealand and she is expecting our fourth child this summer.â€
“I really just want to take this chance to say a massive thanks to Wasps for being so supportive and understanding of what has been a tough decision to leave, but ultimately having four young kids away from family and a support network in New Zealand would be very tough†Flutey added.
Flutey had played his rugby for New Zealand under 19s and New Zealand Maori. He then qualified to play for England after taking advantage of the three year residency rule. Flutey went on to make 14 test appearances for England, making his debut in 2008.
The England centre then went on to represent the British and Irish Lions in their 2009 tour to South Africa when he featured in the third test.
This is the England internationals second spell at Wasps. The first came in 2007 and he then re-joined in 2010. Flutey has scored a total of 68 points in 81 games.
Director of rugby Dai Young was clearly sad to see the back of Flutey but understood the situation the 32 year old found himself in, saying: “We are sorry to lose Riki next year but family comes first and we understand how hard a decision it was to make.â€
“I’d like to thank him for his contribution in his time with the club and wish him all the best in the future.”
In other news, Wales and Cardiff Blues were dealt a big blow when it was announced centre Jamie Roberts would be sidelined for six months with a knee injury.
The Welsh international is clearly devastated but said the only thing to do is get his body in the right shape for what he is calling a ‘huge’ season for club and country.
“First and foremost, I’m pretty devastated to be missing this weekend’s Heineken Cup quarter-final match against Leinster, in what is our biggest match of the season,” said Roberts
“I suppose it’s a chance for me to get my body fully right for what is a huge season for both club and country, with a certain carrot [the British Lions tour of Australia] at the end of it too.”