Nick Crosswell returns to Manawatu

Nick Crosswell has returned to where his rugby career started.

The former Hurricanes, Highlanders and Chiefs loose forward-lock has signed a one-year deal with the Manawatu Turbos.

Crosswell, 31, has spent the past three seasons playing for Welsh club Newport-Gwent Dragons.

"I always wanted to come back," Crosswell said."An opportunity has come around now and I think it is exciting. I love the team and I love the province so it is good to be back."

Crosswell was a member of the Turbos back in 2006 when they were promoted back to the top-flight of provincial rugby. Since then he amassed 81 games for the province.

At the end of the 2014 campaign, he moved to Wales where he went on to play more than 50 games for the Dragons. He said he made a mutual decision with the Dragons to move on at the end of the season.

A chance to add to his 42 Super Rugby games was one option.

"I would not rule it out. That would be another big challenge, but I would definitely consider it if the opportunity arose."