Blues skipper to head back to Japan

[KenyaQuin]

Blues skipper to head back to Japan

12th May 2008, 11:30 WST Blues skipper to head back to Japan : thewest.com.au


Former All Black Troy Flavell today confirmed that he would be heading back to Japan after the Blues’ Super 14 rugby campaign.

Blues captain Flavell, 31, said he expected to be able to announce details of his move tomorrow.

Lock Flavell had a two-year stint in Japan before returning to New Zealand in early 2006.

His aim had been to make the World Cup for the first time but, despite being recalled to the All Blacks, he missed selection for last year’s tournament.

Flavell, who has 22 Test caps, has skippered the Blues for the past two seasons.

Unless the Blues’ slim hopes of making the semifinals are realised this weekend, the home match against the Hurricanes on Friday night will be his swansong for the Auckland-based franchise.

To make the playoffs, the sixth-placed Blues need to beat the Hurricanes, preferably with a bonus point, and then hope other results go their way.

Flavell said it would be a case of the Blues’ sticking with what they had been doing over the past two rounds, when they managed to pull off a brace of bonus-points wins to stay in playoff contention.

“We’ve been under the hammer and under pressure to perform and we’ve stood up over the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“It’s a credit to all the guys here. We’ve dug deep and stuck to the game plan and the structures and it’s worked for us.”

Flavell made his Super 14 debut in 1998 for the Chiefs against the Highlanders.

“I’ve had my highs and lows like any player,” he said.

“It’s been enjoyable and I’ve made a lot of friends along the way. New Zealand rugby has offered me a lot.”

AUCKLAND
NZPA

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I have always rated him as a player. Enjoys the battle. He's like a subded Bakkies Botha, without the religion.

[Burgs]

Certainly a hard nut journeyman.
Likewise enjoyed watching him play TLH

[Thequeerone]

So is this just a money thing? Hilgendorf has the opportunity to play for Japan if he stays there 3 years - but reading this as Troy has already got an All Black Cap he can't play for Japan can he?

[slomo]

yet another great player leaving S14.......

[James]

Great player but not a great captain.

Who else are the Blues losing other than Nucifora, Evans and Flavell? You've got to love it when the first team you play next season is losing some major players.

[The InnFORCEr]

Troy in action against The

[beige]

So is this just a money thing? Hilgendorf has the opportunity to play for Japan if he stays there 3 years - but reading this as Troy has already got an All Black Cap he can't play for Japan can he?

Easier playing load too...