Homebound Sammy still signing (From Worcester News)

Homebound Sammy still signing

7:00am Friday 5th February 2010

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SAMMY Tuitupou has been given permission to return to New Zealand this week but Mike Ruddock insists the former All Black centre is on the verge of renewing his Sixways contract.

The Warriors director of rugby has excused the ‘Pocket Rocket’ from tomorrow’s LV= Cup encounter with London Irish (3pm) so he can go back home to attend to a “delicate family matter”.

“I am quietly optimistic Sammy will sign though and there is nothing sinister to read into him going back to New Zealand.”

Mike Ruddock

Still smarting from Tom Wood’s recent contract U-turn, Ruddock is refusing to confirm that Tuitupou has put pen to paper on a new deal.

But it is believed the Kiwi powerhouse has agreed to another two seasons with the Guinness Premiership side.

Ruddock said: “The only player who will be missing this weekend is Sammy, who I’ve given permission to go back to New Zealand for a slightly delicate family matter. It’s nothing untoward in terms of him coming back on Monday and being available for the Saracens game next week.”

He added: “Sammy hasn’t signed a new deal yet. It has been agreed and we’re hoping that when he gets back he’s going to sign.

“All the indications we’ve had are that he’s going to sign but, after the Tom Wood situation, I don’t want to say he is definitely going to stay and then find out that doesn’t happen.

“I am quietly optimistic Sammy will sign though and there is nothing sinister to read into him going back to New Zealand.

“There are no fresh concerns and we have been working behind the scenes with Sammy and his agent for a number of months now. He has agents back in New Zealand too, so it can get quite complex at times as there is more than one point of contact, but Sammy is enjoying playing for Warriors, is very happy here and hopefully that will continue over the longer term.”

Rookie centre Greg King will replace Tuitupou in Ruddock’s starting XV to face the Exiles tomorrow.

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