Troubled former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri has made his return to competitive rugby, playing on the wing for West Harbour against Warringah in the NSW Shute Shield club competition.
The former Test and NSW Waratahs winger had his $1 million a year contract torn up by the Australian Rugby Union on July 1, but the circumstances leading to his sacking have not been made public.
He has since taken action in the NSW Supreme Court.
Tuqiri found plenty of the ball in the first half on Saturday, and also managed to save a certain try with a well-timed tackle.
But he struggled to get near the pill in the second, as the Pirates went down 23-16.
Pittwater Park isn’t quite Newlands Stadium, but after the game Tuqiri said he was rapt just to be playing again.
“The competitive juices started going in the second half,” he told reporters.
“I was pretty happy with the game, got a few touches on it and busted a few tackles, so it’s good for the confidence.
“Back into footy, I love it mate, and I can’t think of anything better to get my mind off things.”
There was no doubt who the star attraction was after the game, and Tuqiri patiently signed autographs and posed for photos with fans.
He said he would wait for the legal action to finish before deciding where he would play out his career.
“There’s things going on everywhere so I’ve got to take everything in and wait to see what pans out,” he said.
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