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Rugby League

Great Britain star Long flies home

13/11/2006

Great Britain half-back Sean Long is on his way back to the UK and will play no further part in the Tri-Nations tournament.

Long made a vital contribution to the tourists' shock 23-12 win over Australia last weekend and he will be sorely missed as Great Britain prepare to meet the Wallabies again.

The Great Britain team issued a statement this morning denying rumours of any disciplinary problems.

"Sean Long has left the Great Britain training camp based in Manly, Australia, and has returned home to the UK for personal reasons," the statement said.

"He will no longer be a part of the Great Britain rugby league squad for the remainder of the Gillette Tri-Nations tournament."

Suggestions that Long was sent home because of betting allegations have been flatly denied.

Coach Brian Noble suggested that the St Helens star wanted to be with his pregnant wife.

There are no plans to call up a replacement.

After last week's win over Australia, Great Britain were brought back down to earth on Saturday when they were thrashed by an impressive New Zealand side.

The 34-4 defeat leaves the Lions needing to beat Australia again to reach the Tri-Nations final.

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