All Black Naholo released by London Irish

Former All Blacks winger Waisake Naholo has been released by London Irish after playing just 4 games and scoring two tries in his 16-month spell at the club.

Naholo was involved in New Zealand's successful 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign and the drawn series against the Lions two years later.

The 26-cap All Black struggled with injuries limiting his game time and is now not getting a new contract.

“If somebody was to write a book about rehabbing (an injury) I would be interested in his," said London Irish bosh Declan Kidney.

"Sometimes when you see a player on the pitch it comes down to talent but professionalism is about how you go about your job and stick to the task. The way he has gone about his would show any player the way back and it hasn’t been easy for him – but I haven’t heard a word of complaint out of him.

“It was a case of getting it right and he has worked as diligently as anyone I have met. You don’t ever want to see a player in that position. In adversity, you see the best of people and I cannot speak highly enough of him.

"He never dragged his a*** about the place or felt sorry for himself, never acted the victim. He is not a guy to steal the limelight and he has helped the back three in training.”

Departing London Irish players:

Theo Brophy Clews (retiring)
Harry Elrington
Nic Groom
Tom Homer (retiring)
Charlton Kerr
Andrei Mahu
Motu Matu’u
Waisake Naholo
Vladimir Podrezov