Aaron Mauger to leave Leicester and return to New Zealand

Aaron Mauger is leaving Leicester at the end of the season to return to New Zealand where he intends to compete for a place in the squad for the 2011 World Cup, which is being held in the country. The 29-year-old centre, who joined the Tigers after the last World Cup, has spoken to the New Zealand coach, Graham Henry, and his former province, Canterbury and is close to reaching a deal. "I am leaving Leicester, which is pretty sad because the fans have been the best I have come across and the club has been superb to me, but I want to go back to New Zealand and look at the opportunities of playing over there again with an eye on the World Cup," said Mauger, whose time with the Tigers has been blighted by a back injury. "My desire is to play again for the All Blacks and Canterbury and give it my best crack. "I caught up with the All Blacks' coaches during the autumn tour and have had some discussions through my agent with the New Zealand Rugby Union about a central contract. I won't sign anything until I am 100% sure that I can give it my best shot because my body has been playing up over the last couple of years." Mauger's return will be a boost for Henry who has been forced to blood a number of young players after an exodus to Europe after the last World Cup. The centre, Luke McAlister, returned home from Sale last year while the prop, Carl Hayman, is expected to leave Newcastle at the end of the season to challenge for a place in New Zealand's World Cup squad.