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Isa Nacewa set to return to Leinster

Roar Guru
11th April, 2015
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It looks like Isa Nacewa will be returning to Leinster for at least the next season, 2015-16. Leinster will be looking to fill their depleted ranks, while their stars are on international duty during the World Cup.

Leinster are also badly in need of some impact players in the back-line. Their elan of old seems to have deserted them.

Nacewa was one of Leinster’s brightest stars during his time at the club. He was also one of the key proponents of Leinster’s most successful-ever time. From 2008-2013, Leinster won five different trophies (three Heineken Cups, one Amlin Challenge Cup and a RaboDirect 12 cup) and Nacewa played a key part in all these victories.

Nacewa shocked many when he announced his retirement, to take place at the end of the 2012-13 season. He cited family issues for his return to New Zealand. Two years later, it looks like he is set to return. He is only 32, so he should have a few good years left in him.

He joins an influx of former All Blacks coming to play for Irish provinces, with Frances Saili signing with Munster and Charles Piutau heading to Ulster. All three players play in the back-line. The IRFU have recently implemented a cap on overseas players, with no more than one foreign player in each position between the three provinces (Connacht are exempt from the rule).

I don’t know how these signings will be affected by this ruling.

Isa Nacewa was born in New Zealand and was a stand-out player for Auckland and the Blues between 2003 and 2007. He qualified to play international rugby for Fiji, and appeared as a sub during the 2003 World Cup, but his real dream was to play for New Zealand.

Due to IRB laws though, which prohibit a player appearing for more than one country, he was ineligible to play for the All Blacks. Fiji tried to recruit him for Tests but he declined. He even tried to get his one cap annulled, to no avail.

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The Leinster fans will be delighted to see him back.

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