Welsh-qualified New Zealander who says he's related to Leigh Halfpenny wants to play for Wales

When Zane Ainslie left the United Kingdom a few years ago he did so in the full knowledge he was very likely turning his back on a Wales U18 cap and a potential professional career in the Northern Hemisphere.

But as Warren Gatland always says family comes first and Ainslie had to move home to New Zealand due to an urgent personal matter. Now 22 Ainslie plays semi-professional rugby back in New Zealand for Hutt Old Boys while he is also part of the extended Wellington Lions squad, who play in the National Provincial Championship.

Born in London, Ainslie qualifies for Wales through his mother Tina who hails from Swansea but has lived in Kapiti on the lower west coast of the North Island since emigrating to New Zealand at the age of seven. "I moved over here when I was seven and I've played rugby through the age grades when I was over here," he tells WalesOnline.

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"I was playing in Plymouth College and I was playing first XV over there while on a scholarship. I got picked up by the Wales Exiles and played for Wales U18s Exiles.

"My mother comes from Swansea. I was in England when I got picked up for Wales Exiles U18s, that's when I travelled to Wales.

"It was the Exiles but I got asked if I wanted to be in the wider training squad to get selected for the Wales U18s squad but unfortunately I needed to come back home for a personal issue.

"I got asked if I wanted to play but had to leave the Mumbles where I was living with my Mamgu. There's definitely a part of me that wonders if I had stayed it would have probably opened up some doors in Wales.

"But in a way I think it has grown my game playing in New Zealand. My mum said I am a distant relative of Leigh Halfpenny.

"I've always watched the Wales team and always supported them. But if England and Wales play each other I just hid in the closet because my mum and dad would be going at each other!"

While Ainslie is a semi-pro in New Zealand the standard is significantly higher than the equivalent level in Wales. Ainslie has played against Ardie Savea at club level, while high-end Super Rugby players regularly drop down to play at that level.

The 22-year-old utility back has been close to earning a professional contract on a number of occasions but injury has hit him at the wrong time. As part of the wider Wellington squad he hopes to to figure in the NPC this season which would be the shop window to earn a Super Rugby contract.

But Aisnlie is extremely proud of his Welsh heritage and is keen to catch the eye of Wales' four professional sides - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets. "I want to play professional rugby and if I can do it for England or Wales that would be a dream," said the qualified builder.

"Every team, whether it's Wellington Lions, Wellington B's or U18s are really strong. Even in club rugby the way you approach training is really professional.

"The boys who are in the wider squad, you are required to be on a diet and wear the GPS so there's a high standard because of the depth of players we have over here. You've got to do your cold plunges and your stretching after training otherwise if you get injured you are missing out on a spot.

"I have been in talks with Otago Rugby and I've been in talks with Wellington. There's contracts available but they haven't given any out yet because the NPC season hasn't started yet."

Ainslie is confident he can make a big impact on the professional game and believes it will happen in the near future. So, what is his point of difference as a player?

"In terms of style I'd probably compare myself to Will Jordan because I've been told that," he said. "That's because I like to run the ball, attack the line and they say I'm elusive without that sounding too vain.

"During my first year I played against Ardie Savea. He's just gone past me but I chased him down and tackled him so that was a good moment.

"I'm elusive and my speed has been a big strength of my game. I can split defences open by hitting good lines but I can also be elusive when I'm playing centre.

"I can play everywhere in the backline apart from half-back." With finances tight in Welsh rugby all four professional sides in Wales will have to think outside the box when it comes to recruitment and Ainslie is someone worth keeping an eye on.