Mike Delany Returns To New Zealand

Newcastle Falcons fly-half Mike Delany has signed for home province Bay of Plenty, making his return to his native New Zealand.

"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," said Delany.

"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."

The 35-year-old played 26 Premiership games for the Falcons in two seasons, having joined from French club Clermont.