Aaron Mauger scores one of Leicester's seven tries against Viadana on Saturday

Leicester centre Aaron Mauger is to leave the club at the end of the season to try to regain his place in the New Zealand squad for the 2011 World Cup.

The 29-year-old, who joined Leicester after the 2007 World Cup in France, is planning a return to Canterbury.

He has become a key member of the Tigers line-up, making 50 appearances and winning the Premiership title.

"My desire is to play again for the All Blacks and Canterbury and give it my best crack," he said.

He added in the Leicester Mercury: "I am leaving Leicester, which is pretty sad, but I want to go back to New Zealand and look at the opportunities of playing over there again with an eye on the World Cup.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Mauger's departure

"I have talked to the All Blacks coaches. I caught up with them during their autumn tour and have had some discussions through my agent with the New Zealand Rugby Union about a possible contract.

"We are sorting out that (central contract) now. It just depends on me being in the right space to sign something.

"I know there are no guarantees but the correspondence I have had with the NZRU has been pretty positive.

"They want me to give it my best shot and, if I am playing well enough, I will be in with a chance of making the All Blacks squad."

Mauger made his All Blacks debut in 2001 and served the All Blacks jersey with distinction, winning 45 caps and scoring 13 tries.

He announced his switch to Leicester in January 2007 but stated then that his intention was to return to New Zealand in time for the 2011 World Cup which is taking place in his homeland.

Mauger skippered the Tigers against Viadana in the Heineken Cup on Saturday and scored a try in the comprehensive 47-8 victory.

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