Japanese side nets Tuitavake

Utility back to leave Blues after signing for NEC

Last updated: 30th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Japanese side nets Tuitavake

Tuitavake: Two-year deal

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Blues and North Harbour back Anthony Tuitavake has turned his back on New Zealand rugby after signing a two-year deal with Japanese side NEC.

The 27-year-old will take up his new position after next year's Super 14 competition, and Harbour's assistant coach and former All Black Jeff Wilson admitted his loss will be felt.

"It is disappointing for North Harbour but he has been a great servant to New Zealand rugby, the Blues and North Harbour rugby," he said. "It's a shame he is not going to be around for us next year.

"He has done some great things in his career here and has been fortunate to pull on the black jersey and I feel as though he could have played a few more times for the All Blacks.

"I thought he played some really good rugby in the Super 14 this year but obviously the All Black selectors were looking for something a little bit different," he told Radio Sport.

Tuitavake made his New Zealand debut against Ireland last year and played a further five times, but was overlooked for this year's squad.

However, Wilson is hoping the player will return to New Zealand at the end of his two-year stint.

"We would love to see him back on these shores," he added. "He is only 27 and has plenty of good rugby years left in him."