***STOP PRESS***

Due to the blizzard like conditions recently in the UK, the 2 matches that Manu was supposed to play in were cancelled. The team that he was to guest for do not play again until early March. Johnny and Manu have decided to head towards home and are currently in Hong Kong looking at their options. They thank you for all the support they have received while on this trip. The dream is certainly not over and Manu's desire to be a professional rugby player will ultimately see him achieve his goal.

Chasing a dream and star of the vidoes 'Field of Dreams' home grown Premier player Manu Leiataua is about to debut for the English Premiership club - London Irsih's 2nd XV on Friday January 4th vs Harlequins and will back this up for the London based Irish exile club a week later vs Bath United.

Leaving NZ in September, Manu and personal trainer Johnny Gbenda Charles headed for France and a crack at the professional ranks. They initially went to Samoa to train in the heat and to obtain the necessary paperwork for Manu to travel and play in the European Community. Enroute to France they spent time in Hong Kong training very hard and once again were challenged by the climatatic conditions. Upon arrival in France they made several contacts and one in particular with former All Black Captain and Toulon assistant coach - Tana Umaga. These contacts ensured that Manu was able to test and train with top 14 French teams. In a scrimmage session with Agen, Manu broke his arm.

Not to give up, they stayed on and trained hard for the next 4 weeks. Once the cast was off they were on the road again, this time on a visit to London to watch the All Blacks, they tried their luck and came up with a positive result at London Irish where Manu tested and trialed. The club quickly offered him the chance to play for the 2nd XV as a 'guest player' on Friday 4th January vs Harlequins and one week later on Friday 11th vs Bath United.

Johnny is on his way home for Christmas and will return to England on the 28th December in time for the New Year muster on January 1st. Manu will stay behind and train for a shot at a professional rugby career