Former All Blacks international Mike Delany returns to New Zealand

Former All Blacks fly-half Mike Delany has returned to his country of birth after rejoining his Provincial side Bay of Plenty.

The 35-year-old's professional rugby career started with Bay of Plenty in 2005 and after a five-year stint he went on to play for Japanese club Panasonic Wild Knights, Clermont Auvergne and Newcastle Falcons.

Delany, who also had stints with Super Rugby sides Highlanders and Chiefs has amassed 489 points from 61 games for Bay of Plenty and now will rejoin them after featuring in 26 Aviva Premiership games with the Falcons.

Thanking Newcastle Falcons for releasing him earlier than his original three-year contract, Delany is now looking to perform well for his home side.

"My family and I had thought long and hard about when would be the right time to come back to New Zealand and when this opportunity came up with Bay of Plenty Rugby, it just felt like something we couldn't pass up.

"We were fortunate enough that the Newcastle Falcons granted me early release, so after six seasons or so overseas I'm excited and motivated to return to play for the Bay. It is where I started and it is home for us."

Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: "We as a club would like to thank Mike for all of his efforts during his time with Newcastle, and wish him and his family all the best for their return to New Zealand."