Aaron Mauger to head home in bid for cap recall

LEICESTER centre Aaron Mauger is to leave Welford Road at the end of the season and return to New Zealand as he seeks to play at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old, who joined Leicester following the 2007 World Cup in France, made 45 Test appearances in the All Black jersey between 2001 and 2007.

"I am leaving Leicester, which is pretty sad, 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," he said. "My desire is to play again for the All Blacks and Canterbury and give it my best crack."