Warner eyes Australia return

Leinster fly-half Christian Warner wants to go home to Australia.

Warner, 29, is the first Australian to go public with his desire to end his self-imposed exile and join the Perth Super 14 franchise under former All Blacks coach John Mitchell.

The former NSW Waratah was lured to Europe more than three years ago by south-west French club Pau before moving to Leinster the following season when his ex-Super 12 coach Matt Williams, now in charge of Scotland, offered him a start.

“I’d certainly be interested in looking at options back in Australia, but especially at the new franchise in Western Australia,” Warner told the Sydney Daily Telegraph.

“To get an opportunity to be involved in a fresh and enthusiastic side is something that really appeals to me.

“This is my ninth year as a professional player and I think during that time I’ve shown an ability to adapt to different playing and living environments.”

On Sunday, Warner gave Leinster a 5-3 half-time lead with a first-half try in their Celtic League clash with the Neath-Swansea Ospreys but it was not enough to stop the Welsh side running out 16-12 winners.