Rugby: Marsh turns his back on Counties

By CHRIS RATTUE

Counties-Manukau have missed out in their bid to bring Tony Marsh back into New Zealand rugby.

The midfield back will re-sign with his French club Montferrand after deciding that a shoulder injury put too much doubt on his ability to make an impact in the Super 12 and maybe force his way into the All Blacks.

The 28-year-old Marsh's return to New Zealand would have been a boost for the Steelers and the battling Chiefs franchise.

Marsh, who has had major shoulder surgery, has been talking to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union who would have had to offer him a significant Super 12 contract to lure him back.

But Marsh told Counties-Manukau last night that he would be staying in France.

Steelers coach Andrew Talaimanu said: "It would have been a bonus for us, but Tony didn't feel he would be 100 per cent for the Super 12.

"If it was not for the injury he would have been back here in a flash.

"The New Zealand union did more than they needed to try to bring him back ... It wasn't just about money, but in the end he decided it would be better to stick with the financial security he has in France."

Marsh played 57 games for Counties-Manukau until 1998, the year he played for the Wayne Smith-coached Crusaders when they won the Super 12 title.