Former All Black Luke McAlister has quashed speculation he's homesick and ready for a return to New Zealand ahead of schedule from his stint playing for Sale in the English premiership.

The 25-year-old kicks off his second season with the Sale Sharks in the English league this weekend and he told Radio Sport in New Zealand today that he's as motivated and content as he's ever been about playing his football in the UK.

There had been speculation after McAlister had spent some time back in New Zealand during his off-season that he might be seeking an early return to launch a bid to reclaim his All Black No 12 jersey.

But the talented former North Harbour star moved quickly to dispel those rumours.

"I'm happy where I am right now," he told Radio Sport. "We've got a great bunch of boys here, I'm loving my life over here in the north-west of England and if I come home that decision will be made in January-February of next year.

"I'm in no rush to make that decision."

But McAlister perhaps indicated how touchy a subject that is when he was asked if he was still intending to launch a bid to make the 2011 World Cup lineup.

"I haven't made any plans, that's a long way away and that's all I'm going to say about it," he said. Next question please.

McAlister was a lot more forthcoming about the benefits of life out of the New Zealand rugby fishbowl.

He spoke about how refreshing it was to walk around soccer-mad Manchester unrecognised

"I love it, walking down the street or to the mall and not being bothered," said McAlister. "It's a bit weird at first but you get used to it. It's really good. It's why I think a lot of players come over here and actually realise there's more to life than rugby in New Zealand."

The New Zealander also said he was feeling fit and fresh after an "unheard of" 10-week pre-season. Sale open their Premiership campaign on Sunday (UK time) with a visit to Carl Hayman's Newcastle club.

"We haven't won up there in about eight years," said McAlister. "We've talked about that this week, breaking the hoodoo up there. Every time Sale's played up there it's either been pouring down or gale winds so it's not the best place to play. We're hoping it changes on Sunday."

The 22-test All Black says in terms of the style of rugby he's experienced, weather and conditions tend to make the game a little slower. But he's hopeful the new ELVs being used in the north this season will make things more user-friendly for the backs.

"We haven't played too much of it (the ELVs), so I suppose it will take a few rounds for the boys to get used to them and also for the refs. It's going to take a few rounds as I'm sure it did in the Super 14."

McAlister also said he had kept a close eye on the All Blacks this season, as did many of his English team-mates. "A lot of the English boys like watching the Tri-Nations because it's such a brutal competition and such good rugby to watch," he said.

He would also have noticed that Ma'a Nonu is making a reasonable sort of fist of Life After Luke in the No 12 jersey. Not that he is fretting over any ground he may or may not be losing.

"It was my choice to leave, I understand what's happened now, and the guys who have stepped into that position I just wish them well. If I come home I'll do my best to get it back, and if it happens it happens..."

So, rumours of any early return well and truly sent packing by the former All Black No 12.

"I miss home, but I'm not homesick," concluded McAlister.