Image:Riki Flutey: Will head back to New Zealand at the end of the season
Riki Flutey has confirmed that he will leave Wasps and return to his native New Zealand at the end of the season.
Centre to return to native New Zealand at end of the season
Wasps centre Riki Flutey has confirmed that he will leave the Aviva Premiership club and return to his native New Zealand at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old, who is currently sidelined with an ankle injury, may already have played his last game for the club as a result of the decision.
Flutey has won a total of 14 caps for England, despite being born in Wairarapa, and will head back Down Under ahead of his wife giving birth to their fourth child, before pursuing a career in Japan.
"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," Flutey said.
"Ultimately having four young kids away from family and a support network in New Zealand would be very tough.
"It goes without saying that the club will always have a huge place in my heart."
Flutey, who started his career with the Hurricanes, played for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2009, becoming the first man to play for and against the representative side.
He made 81 appearances for Wasps across two spells, with an injury-marred season at Top 14 side Brive sandwiched inbetween.
