New Zealand and Ulster prop John Afoa is eager to return home after his contract with the Irish province expires in 2014.
Afoa and his wife are expecting their third child in the coming weeks and appear ready to return to New Zealand after joining Ulster following the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"Bringing the family home for the baby is a positive...hopefully come back and play some footy too," said Afoa to TVNZ One News.
"I think like most people you want to be close to your friends and family in those early stages."
Blues coach John Kirwan has stated that Afoa would be more than welcome at his old side should he decide to return to New Zealand following the end of his contract in Ireland.
"This is his home, over 100 games, he's one of our guys," said Kirwan.
"If he wants to come home we'd love to talk to him."
Comments
Top_Kat says...
This is a bad thing for Ulster, but a good thing for Irish rugby as a whole. There has to be investment (time, not money) in young indigenous props. Look at the state of the front row if Ross is injured on Saturday.
Posted 16:59 07th February 2013
melkdave says...
Cant blame a player for wanting to go home,can you.Also its not just his decision its his wifes,and kids aswell.He might be blissfully happy,but if his family isnt well,just what would you do.
Posted 22:08 05th February 2013
dodgyrog says...
tight head prop is the most important player at scrum time. Afoa's presence for Ulster is immense.
Posted 18:20 04th February 2013
madraglas says...
Under the new irfu laws ulster will not be able to sign another foreign prop so will need an Irish qualified player to replace him. Of course that could be another Michael Bent rather than investing in an academy player.
Posted 08:01 03rd February 2013
carpelone says...
One of the best players for Ulster.
Posted 22:17 01st February 2013
99call says...
Was hoping we could have got him to sign a contract extension as hes is a key part of our recent success but if he wants to go home then theres nothing you can do about that
We've still got another season and 1/2 with him so hopefully Macklin and Fitzpatrick can develop into top class 3s before he goes
Posted 11:48 01st February 2013