Ava Seumanufagai leaves Leeds Rhinos for 'family reasons'

Prop Ava Seumanufagai has been released from the final year of his Leeds Rhinos contract "for family reasons".
Ava Seumanufagai scores for Rhinos against Warrington in February. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.Ava Seumanufagai scores for Rhinos against Warrington in February. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.
Ava Seumanufagai scores for Rhinos against Warrington in February. Picture by Bruce Rollinson.

The 29-year-old New Zealand-born pack man joined Rhinos midway through 2019 from NRL side Cronulla Sharks and made 32 appearances, including in this year's Coral Challenge Cup win over Salford Red Devils at Wembley.

Rhinos have already effectively signed a replacement in New Zealand Test front-rower Zane Tetevano, but are now likely to look for another forward to bolster their squad.

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In a club statement, Seumanufagai - who returned to Australia at the end of Rhinos' Betfred Super League campaign last month - said: "I loved being a part of such a great club.

"Sadly, I’ve made the decision to cut my time short so I can be home with my young daughter.

"With Covid 19 restrictions continuing into next year, the option to travel back and forth looks almost impossible.”

Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield confirmed: “Ava spoke to myself and [coach] Richard Agar about the possibility of a release from the remaining year of his contract to return home for family reasons.

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"We are sorry to see him leave the club, but fully support and understand his decision."

Sinfield added: “The Covid-19 pandemic has had many profound impacts on our sport and I am certain in normal times Ava would be happy to remain at the Rhinos for many years to come.

"We have remained in contact with Ava since he returned home so we were both aware of the latest situation with the pandemic.

“He was aware of how highly we still think of him, but we understood the position he was in.

"He has now decided to stay in Australia and he leaves with our best wishes.

"He remains a friend of the club."