Tipoki to stay in NZ

Talented Blues midfield back Rua Tipoki today scotched rumours that he was looking for an overseas club to continue his rugby career after his 16-week ban.

He said he was looking forward to the Air New Zealand Cup (NPC) with North Harbour and hopefully find his way back into the Blues next season.

Tipoki, 27, was banned from all rugby by a Sanzar judicial committee on April 15 after being found guilty of striking an opponent in the Blues-Western Force match a day earlier.

He said he deeply regretted the incident which left his Western Force rival James Hilgendorf with two fractures around an eye as well as a cut requiring five stitches.

Tipoki said that he wasn't seeking an overseas club and was determined to shake off his ``thug'' image when he got back into rugby after his ban.

- NZPA