Ross Geldenhyus granted early release

Tasman Makos prop Ross Geldenhuys won't be returning for this year's Mitre 10 Cup campaign.

 Tasman prop Ross Geldenhuys has been released from his provincial rugby contract on compassionate grounds and won't be rejoining the Makos for this year's Mitre 10 Cup national provincial competition.

The 34-year-old Cape Town-born tighthead prop is currently playing for South African franchise the Southern Kings in this year's Super Rugby competition and had expected to rejoin Tasman at the end of their campaign.

However, with his wife currently pregnant, Geldenhuys asked for a release from his Tasman contract. Tasman chief executive Tony Lewis said the release was granted with the union's blessing.

"His wife's pregnant with twins and it's just a difficult time," Lewis said.

"It's been a difficult pregnancy so she's been banned from flying and the babies are due in the middle of the Mitre 10 Cup - so there's no way he can come."

Geldenhuys joined Tasman in 2014 and has played 33 games for the province. He also played 21 games for the Highlanders' Super Rugby team before signing with the Kings this year.

"Ross has been one of best signings we've made over the last few years and is a massive loss to us. I know [Tasman coaches] Leon [MacDonald] and Yoda [Greg Somerville] are disappointed, but family always comes first with the Makos.

"We are happy to assist him and hopefully he'll play for us in the future."

Tasman already have a solid stable of props, including Kane Hames (Chiefs), Siua Halanukonuka (Highlanders), Tim Perry (Crusaders) and Tom Hill.

"You don't [easily] replace someone of his experience, his ability to scrummage and his ability to play the Makos' style, so he'll be a difficult person to replace.

"He had a two-year contract, we've released him from that but we're keen to secure him [again] in 2019."