Rugby: Wulf still has test hunger

Rudi Wulf says his single season with Toulon was often frustrating. Photo / Greg Bowker

Rudi Wulf has signed a lot of contracts in the past two years. It started with recommitting to New Zealand in 2009 but he terminated that 12 months later and joined Toulon when he missed out on last year's Tri Nations squad.

He joined the French Top 14 club for two seasons but asked for a release after the first year to be closer to his one-year-old son, who returned from France early to live in Hamilton. He's since used more ink to sign again with North Harbour, the Blues and NZRU.

Wulf now sees his future in New Zealand and has signed with the Blues for two seasons. It probably wasn't the best year to be away - with World Cup selection now impossible - but time overseas deepened Wulf's desire to get back into the All Blacks.

At 27, he has time on his side and the wing represents the most significant name among a handful of players who have returned from overseas to play in this year's ITM Cup. Others include flanker Marty Holah, now 34, who played 36 tests between 2001 and 2006, Jamie Nutbrown and Willie Walker - but only Wulf has a chance of playing international football in the future.

He played four tests in 2008 after making his debut against England in Christchurch but couldn't break back into the side in a position flush with resources. In 2009, Wulf was named Blues Player of the Year alongside captain Keven Mealamu but still it wasn't enough.

"When I missed out on the [2010] Tri Nations, I had the opportunity to terminate my contract early," Wulf says. "I saw where I stood on the ladder. I spoke to [All Blacks backs coach] Wayne Smith about it and he said a lot of positive things to me.

"I had previously signed up [with the NZRU] until the end of this year. My goal was to play for the All Blacks in the World Cup. It would have been something special. But, because I missed out on that Tri Nations squad, I felt I should take the opportunity at Toulon."

It was tough in France, especially at the start when trying to adjust to not only a new culture and country but also a new style of play. There's a saying in France - no scrum, no win - which doesn't always bode well for wings.

"It was very frustrating," Wulf says of the lack of ball. "When we got to see it in the backs, we had to try to make the most of it. Sometimes I had to go and tell Jonny [Wilkinson] I wanted the ball and I would run off him."

Wulf is looking forward to a return to running rugby with North Harbour. He's fitted in seamlessly with his old side who have the goal of winning promotion from the Championship. They appear to be in a happier place under new coach Liam Barry, who has taken over from Craig Dowd, and welcome back Wulf, Walker and openside flanker Brent Wilson. They have also added highly-rated fullback Codey Rei to go with a solid pack and maturing backline.

Wulf is intent on reminding everyone of what he is capable of in this year's competition. His skill set suits the game presently and he is one who will probably welcome a change in the All Blacks panel.

"I definitely want to gun for the black jersey again," he says. "Having four caps has given me a taste for it and makes me want to get there again."

If Wulf is on the comeback trail, so too is former Wallaby midfielder Steve Kefu - fulfilling a long-held desire to play rugby in New Zealand with his signing for the Bay of Plenty Steamers this season.

The 31-year-old former Reds midfielder has been with Castres and Wasps recently and lately turned out for his brother Toutai's Sunshine Coast team before playing in an Asia Pacific Barbarians-World XV match in Hong Kong.

Kefu always wanted to play in New Zealand from the time he toured here as a schoolboy and thought playing for the Steamers in this year's ITM Cup would be a great way to sign off on a successful career. But the six-test Wallaby has enjoyed his short time with the Bay so much, he's having second thoughts.

"Originally I thought this would be my last year but I've got a second wind," he says.

"A club side in France were trying to get in touch with me about playing there but I told them there was no way I'm leaving now. It's been brilliant. I've learned more about rugby in the last two weeks than I have for a long time.

"The players talk so openly and speak their mind so they know what's going on on the field. It's so much better the way everything is set up. It really depends on how the body pulls up because it's going to be a tough season this year and I'm not getting any younger. But I would love to play again."

The Steamers finished sixth in last year's ITM Cup to earn a place in the Premiership and, while they have aspirations of winning the title, maintaining their position in the top tier would be the first goal.