NEWPORT have been dealt a massive blow for their Celtic League quarter-final against Leinster on Friday night.

Scrum half Ofisa Tonu'u (pictured) has returned to New Zealand because his mother is seriously ill.

She has been unwell for some time, but worsened over the weekend and Tonu'u has flown out to be with her.

He misses the clash against unbeaten Leinster side who have already beaten Newport twice this season in the Heineken Cup.

Tonu'u is also doubtful for a week Friday, either a Celtic League semi-final if Newport win in Leinster or a Welsh/Scottish League clash at Llanelli.

Tonu'u has become a big favourite in his short time at Newport with his huge pass and driving runs.

Only last week the 31-year-old former All Black received the Welsh Rugby Union's Chwarae Teg (Fair Play) award for November.

He said then: "I'm really enjoying my time at Newport and winning the Chwarae Teg award is like the icing on the cake.

"I always try to play the game with a smile on my face and to keep within the rules and spirit of the game.

"After all, a player only gets one playing career so it's important that we do everything we can to enjoy every minute".

Newport team manager Jim McCreedy said: "Our only concern at the moment is for Ofisa and the well-being of his family.

"It's right he should be returning home at this time. Had he stayed and tried to play on there is no way he could have given the club the 100% he always does. "Until he's arrived home and had a chance to assess the situation and get in touch with us, we have no idea how long we will be without him.

"There is no question in our minds that as good as Joost van der Westhuizen was, Ofisa has been exceptional and if the choice now was between them, Ofisa would the man we'd go for.

"But we have another first rate scrum half in Dale Burn who did very well before Ofisa's arrival and had a superb game against Uruguay recently."