Flutey leaves Wasps for Rams
London Wasps centre Riki Flutey will leave the English club at the end of the season to move his family back to New Zealand.
The New Zealand-born midfielder has made 81 appearanced for Wasps in two separate spells at the club.
Flutey played for the New Zealand Maori and the New Zealand Uner-19 team before moving to Europe, where he qualified to play for England and won 15 Test caps.
The 32-year-old will continue his career in Japan with the Ricoh Black Rams, who All Black centre Ma’a nonu played for last season.
“I am hugely grateful for the opportunities and experiences I have had while playing with London Wasps and have been fortunate to have played in some great teams,” Flutey said.
“My wife and my three kids will first be returning to New Zealand and she is expecting our fourth child in a few months.
“I really just want to take this chance to say a massive thanks to Wasps for being so supportive and understanding of what has been a tough decision to leave, but ultimately having four young kids away from family and a support network in New Zealand would be very tough.
It goes without saying that the club will always have a huge place in my heart, and I would especially like to thank all the fans and supporters I have had while in the UK. I look forward to seeing the club’s success with Dai Young at the helm, and returning in the future.”
Flutey is likely to have played his last game for the club as he is currently recovering from an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season.
