5 Jul 2014

Cummins set to play in Japan after compassionate release

6:19 am on 5 July 2014

Australia winger Nick Cummins has been released from his national rugby contract on 'compassionate grounds' and will play rugby in Japan to help provide the means to care for his sick family.

The 15-Test Wallaby, a cult hero Down Under, had sought a release from the Australian Rugby Union and from his Super Rugby club Western Force. The ARU says it was granted based on his "unique family circumstances".

One of eight siblings, two of whom suffer from cystic fibrosis, the 26-year-old Cummins was raised by a single dad in Queensland who is battling prostate cancer.

Cummins started in all three Tests against France last month but his move overseas is likely to preclude him from playing in next year's World Cup in England.