Ewen McKenzie has expressed his disappointment at Nick Cummins’ decision to rule himself out of next year’s World Cup by signing for Japan’s West Red Sparks.
The Australian Rugby Union confirmed that Cummins had been granted an early release from his contract with the national organisation based on “unique family circumstances”.
McKenzie said: “It is very disappointing to lose a player of Nick’s calibre but after discussing the issues at hand, we appreciate that this is a decision based on what is best for him and his family at this time.”
The 26-year-old Cummins, who has 15 caps, took to his Instagram account on Friday to explain his decision. He wrote: “The reason for my decision is something that most of the Australian rugby community may be aware of. My family is currently enduring some extremely difficult times in terms of their health and wellbeing and my time in Japan will hopefully provide me with the opportunity to give back to and provide some certainty to my family during this difficult time.”
Cummins added: “It was a difficult decision to make in the context of a Rugby World Cup next year, but the health and wellbeing of my family is paramount and the move to Japan is something I have to do for them. I now must put my own interests in the World Cup aside.”
Cummins played 72 Super Rugby matches for the Western Force after making his debut against the Sharks in Durban in 2008 and made his first appearance for the Wallabies in 2012 against Argentina in Rosario.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver added: “We wish him well for the future on and off the field and he is aware that we and Rugby fans across Australia who have embraced him as the ‘Honey Badger’ would love to see him back in Australia in the future.”
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- Australian Rugby Union
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Article source: http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/rugby-stars-line-out-to-get-treatment-for-twins-251836.html
Nick Cummins to miss Rugby World Cup after leaving Australia for Japan
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