Austin Gleeson has announced his intention to return to the Waterford hurling fold next season.

The 2016 Hurler of the Year has regained his appetite for the inter-county game after opting out this year. His return won't, however, be happening on Davy Fitzgerald's watch after the Sixmilebridge man stepped down as manager last night.

“When I took the step back, I didn’t know what was going to be in front of me because I never did it before,” Gleeson told reporters at the launch of Pinergy's new solar partnership with Mount Sion GAA.

“I came straight out of minor into the senior squad. So it was a bit of an unknown for me.

“I love playing for Waterford. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to play for Waterford. God, there’s numerous people around the county – thousands of people around the county – who would want to put on the Waterford jersey.

“I absolutely loved doing that. It’s just…I needed a break for myself. The body was starting to take a toll on me and mentally, I probably wasn’t there either. It wouldn’t have been fair to management and the other players and myself if I went back last year.”

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