Masaga off to japan

[Amobokoboko]

[h=3]So who will score our tries now?

Chiefs’ winger Lelia Masaga will head off shore at the conclusion of the 2013 Investec Super Rugby competition to continue his rugby career in Japan.[/h]Chiefs’ winger Lelia Masaga will head off shore at the conclusion of the 2013 Investec Super Rugby competition to continue his rugby career in Japan. The twenty-six year old has signed with the Japanese club Honda for two seasons.
The winger who has played 80 games for the Chiefs and earned the nickname ‘Flash’ for his speed and try scoring abilities said: “This was a really tough decision to make. The Chiefs have been an important part of my life for eight years, but this was just simply an opportunity that was too good to turn down.â€
Chiefs’ coach Dave Rennie said “Lelia is a highly valued part of the Chiefs family, but at his stage of his career this is a fantastic chance for Lelia and his family and we wish them well.â€
Lelia Masaga is in his eighth season with the Chiefs. He has played one test for the All Blacks and is a former Junior All Black. He will not be available for ITM Cup this year for his provincial side Bay of Plenty.
The Chiefs head to Mount Maunganui this Easter weekend to play the Blues on Saturday 30 March at 7.35pm at ASB Baypark Stadium.

 

[big ginger 8]

Pity. Really like him as a player.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Yeah, fantastic player to watch. Wish he'd hung round a bit longer to get his hundredth cap...

 

[Amobokoboko]

Maybe he will still play Super rugby next season, like Nonu did

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Not with a two year deal. He could return later, however.

 

[Darwin]

Masaga is certainly a big loss for the Chiefs. He is a phenomenal finisher, and his defense has improved over the last couple of seasons. He lacks the all round game necessary to get to the top level, but he is one of the player I love to watch. One of the interesting things about Masaga is that he literally almost never passes the ball - it wouldn't surprise me if he has scored more tries for the Chiefs than he has made passes!

 

[nickdnz]

Love Lelia Masaga - been probably the most exciting winger in NZ since 2009. Think he's going to be really missed, thought he may have even got a chance in the AB's this season with Jane injured. Always wished he got more time playing international rugby, if not for NZ than someone else - 1 cap is not enough for how dangerous attacker he is.

 

[donmcdazzle]

Such an awesome runner, pretty unlucky to have never been given much of a shot for the AB's. Could have been lethal on the end of our backline. I'd rather have him than Guildford I reckon.

 

[Aedaphon]

So who will score our tries now?

Nanai-Williams

It's a shame to see Masaga go, he's a great character and always good fun to watch. Still, it's just a sign of how competitive the All Blacks 11 and 14 jerseys have been (and probably always will be) that he only ever managed one cap for NZ.

Good luck in Japan!

 

[Larksea]

shame, he is certainly one of the most watchable players in world rugby. I mean he is the kind of player that makes you move to the edge of your seat when the ball goes his direction and would have to pound for pound the most powerful straight runner in rugby. The guy is under 6ft/100kg yet can still bowl off defenders like Lomu through share determination.