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Aaron Mauger - Source: Photosport
Question marks surround the fitness of former All Black Aaron Mauger and whether he will return to New Zealand rugby.
Mauger, 29, who joined English club Leicester after the 2007 World Cup, recently stated a desire to bring his family back to live in Canterbury and play for his old province but he is unlikely to commit unless he has recovered from injury problems.
The 45-test veteran has been hampered by a hip and back injury during the northern hemisphere season and although the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has tabled an offer, it remains unsigned according to chief executive Steve Tew.
"He's been very honest and said `I do not want to come back to New Zealand unless I can make a contribution that I know I can make, and to do that I am going to have a full physical capacity'," Tew told reporters.
Mauger's contract with Leicester expires in June.
Tew confirmed players are obliged to pass fitness tests before deals are signed but said Mauger is unlikely to sign a contract if he believes his body cannot remain intact.
"That is where it is at. He may change his mind," Tew said.
"He's very highly thought of at Leicester; he has got coaching aspirations and they have already involved him in that role."
