Tasesa Lavea Returns to the Blues

[bobilycious]

http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4716857a22363.html

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Tasesa Lavea has confirmed he'll be back at the Blues next year.

Ever since Pat Lam was named as the new Blues coach a few months ago, speculation has been rife about who he will turn to in the all important first-five position next season.

Last night Lavea revealed to Sunday News the move north has been agreed.

"I signed the other day," said Lavea who previously played for the Blues from 2004 to 2006.

"I'm a bit nervous because the last time I was there it was a hard season for me.

"But at the same time that's in the past and I'm getting back with Pat and Howy (Shane Howarth). I know their structures and the game plan they want to implement.

"It came down to family in the end. My family are up here (in Auckland) and my son, so I have to travel to the Chiefs.

"But the Chiefs have been great to me, Fozzie (Ian Foster) really took me in and they were like a family to me down there.

"I'll miss those guys because they're a good bunch."

While Lavea has signed with the Blues, he'll remain a Counties Manukau player next season.

Lavea has captained the province this season and has put in several man-of-the-match performances since returning from the ankle injury that forced him to sit out the early part of this year.

Last night, Lavea ran some superb lines in the 57-28 loss to North Harbour at Mt Smart Stadium.

Lavea only transferred to Counties to get game time for the Chiefs in the Super 14 and made a great combination in the five eighths with Stephen Donald in 2007.

But he has now answered an SOS to return to his original franchise and is expected to get the majority of game time in the No 10 jersey next season with Jimmy Gopperth being his backup.

Lam and Howarth were keen admirers of Lavea during his time with Auckland and it's understandable why they'd go for him again at the Super rugby level.

First-five stocks inside the Blues provinces is at an all-time low. Nick Evans is at Harlequins, Northland veteran David Holwell has ruled out a return to Super rugby, choosing to concentrate on his farm, while Lachie Munro has yet prove he can control a game at Air New Zealand Cup level.

This just leaves Gopperth, who recently completed his transfer from Wellington to North Harbour and there was no way Lam and Howarth wanted to go into their first season at this level without a quality playmaker.

Lavea has one year left on his contract with the NZRU. As Sunday News revealed at the beginning of the Air New Zealand Cup, he asked for an early release from his contract to join up with French club Clermont after their backs coach and former Blues assistant Joe Schmidt had him as their No 1 priority signing during the offseason.

But those plans were scuppered by the NZRU who refused to give him an early release.

While Lavea was disappointed at not being allowed to go to France, he hinted that a good season for the Blues could be just the incentive to keep him in New Zealand long-term.

"There's no real rush for me to go anywhere now," said Lavea, who also played league for the Storm and Sea Eagles.

"There was the French offer which I was keen to take up but it wasn't to be.

"I can't remember me having five games in a row where I've played for the full 80 minutes since I was about 12 years old.

"But I'm really enjoying my rugby here and I'm really enjoying my role at Counties.

"There's a good bunch here and I definitely feel we can make some big strides in the future."

As for the Blues next year, Lavea is confident the franchise can have a good season.

"I've been talking to Pat for the last couple of months and the thing with the Blues is that there's a lot of guys who were there in 2006.

"We're all two or three years older now, a bit more experienced and we've come through the grades together.

"I know going back there they'll be the high expectations about making the semifinals and winning the competition.

"Ali (Williams) is also coming back which is good, so there will be a good pack to play behind."

"I'm really looking forward to going back and being with the boys again[/b]

Haha Ripper is not gonna be happy!

 

[candybum]

hmmm... aw novice lol

 

[esoj]

he has actually transfered to auckland now too. this is just sad news for blues supporters a choice of gopperth or lavea for the 10 jersey next year.

 

[sambãd5]

well were f***ed.

 

[ChiefsFan]

He actaully played really well for the Chiefs in 06. I hated him before that and felt the same when I realised he'd been picked up by the chiefs in he draft, but he played really well. He also has looked good for the Steelers this year.

It's amazing that someone who only made the Auckland B squad a year or two ago is now thte frontrunner for the Number 10 jersey

I'm actually annoyed he's gone back, I wanted him in the Chiefs

 

[bates]

Yeah I rememebr him playing for the Chiefs, good player altho my brains are still warming up, so may add some more comments later

 

[QLD]

so players move teams but they leave there familys in the city that previously played in.

Strikes me odd. Fuifui Moimoi (NRL player for the Prrramatta Eels) lives in an apartment with another player though he has his wife and 2 kids in NZ

 

[Bullitt]

I literally cannot wait until Ripper replies to this...

 

[ChiefsFan]

He's probably dead from the news...


R.I.P RIPPER

 

[candybum]

From a heart attack lol

 

[esoj]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (sambãd5 @ Oct 8 2008, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

well were f***ed.[/b]

a fitting quote for this.

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/2371988
Lavea gets sprung drinking and driving
Blues' player Tasesa Lavea was last week charged with driving with excess breath alcohol.

He is due to appear in the Manukau District Court in January.

Blues CEO Andy Dalton said he's extremely disappointed this has occurred.

"Our players know their responsibilities, both to themselves and others. If they are drinking, it is to be managed responsibly. This was an unfortunate mistake from Tasesa and he is very disappointed and remorseful."

Lavea acknowledged his lack of judgment, immediately notified the Blues and has already taken positive steps towards addressing the situation.

"I made a bad decision and will now face up to the consequences of my actions. I deeply regret the fact that I let family, friends, supporters and my team-mates down and will be doing everything in my power to ensure that I regain their trust and support," Lavea said.

 

[ChiefsFan]

This is what happens when you play for the Blues... This never woul;d've happened if he had stayed with the Chiefs.

 

[bates]

True, all those posh players in Skycity thinking they rule the world

 

[Stillknox]

According to the official ASM website, Tasesa Lavea signed to Clermont-Auvergne for the next season. I never saw him play but he seems to be one of the most hated player on this forum... so, is this a good pick for Clermont ? Considering that Brock James (a nobody in S14) is one of the best 10 in Europe now, could he at least make a good backup for him ?

 

[Bullitt]

Tasesa Lavea thinks he is Carlos Spencer... He has most of the ingredients (rugged yet slightly effeminate looks, an "I'm better then you" attitude, the complete disregard for the coaches gameplan). However he's is missing two vital ingredients;

Unlike Spencer, Tasesa Lavea is not the most naturally gifted human beings to ever hold a rugby ball nor is he the slightest bit tactically aware.

A poor signing.

 

[Stillknox]

Sounds like fun. That description reminds me another Carlos Spencer wanabee, Freddie Michalak. Can't wait to see them face to face !