All Blacks captain Kieran Read will depart New Zealand Rugby at the end of 2019 to take up a contract in Japan.
The veteran number eight, who has been a one-club player at the Crusaders since 2007, will play for Toyota Verblitz from 2020 which ends a 13-year career in New Zealand.
To date, Read has 118 caps for the All Blacks since making his debut in 2008, with 43 of those served as captain, while he has also played 145 domestic games for the Crusaders.
The 33-year-old said he was thankful for the opportunities he has had, and was looking forward to those in the future overseas.
“Every young rugby player in New Zealand dreams of the opportunities I have had to represent the All Blacks and the Crusaders, and I know I’ll look back at the end of the year with a great deal of pride to have worn those jerseys for as long as I have,” Read said.
“My family and I are looking forward to an overseas experience and Japan presents an awesome opportunity to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture as part of the Toyota club.
“I feel the time is right to make this announcement on my playing future, so that I can focus my efforts on the season ahead.”
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said he would be a huge loss to the All Blacks, and also commended the work the skipper has done off the field.
“On behalf of New Zealand Rugby and the All Blacks, I’d like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution that Reado has made to our game. His performances on the park speak for themselves: he’s played 118 Tests and started 111 of them, which is an outstanding achievement.
“However, that is only part of the Kieran Read story. His contribution off the park has been just as impressive. He’s developed into a fantastic leader, who has the utmost respect of all his peers.
What he has achieved has been remarkable, and it’s fair to say that he is one of the greats of our game who has enhanced the legacy of not only the All Blacks jersey but also the Crusaders jersey. We wish him, Bridget and the kids all the very best in their next rugby chapter.”
He will be sorely missed by the All Blacks, after being named World Rugby player of the year in 2013 and being a part of the side who won the 2015 Rugby World Cup. At domestic level, he has won three Super Rugby championships with the Crusaders, including back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.
Read will be joined in leaving New Zealand rugby by Ben Smith and Liam Squire, while a host of other stars could also make their departure after the tournament, which will be held in Japan throughout September and October this year.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Geez, great photos. Gotta go down there again.
Dandaman
Roar Rookie
Good move. Have a good chance of winning the RWC and finishing on a high note before heading off on the next adventure. All the best Kieran!
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Fionn, many years ago I did the boat/bus/walk from Queenstown to Milford Sound. But on do that in Summer. The skyline and views of the Remarkables is fantastic. The Nun's Veil and the whole Aoraki is also an awesome trip. I've never been to Chile but people have told me it's the only comparable mountainous area in the SH. Now Switzeland, hire a car and drive or catch the Interlaken train to Lauterbrunnen (we had a car so much easier). Walk along the side of the Eiger then drive along the valley to Jungfrau. Late Summer is best time for walks. But if you really want to be alone with awesome Nature then the Bodger is right, Norway or North Sweden. Even Summer is cold, I can't believe people want to live there 24/365 then again you are in Canberra. :) Onto Kieren Reid, I hate his guts when the bloke rips the WB apart again (just kiddin) but wow, he is a champion player and comes across as a nice down-to-Earth bloke. We can only be grateful that we get to see such class acts play for their teams for so long, even if he is on the opposing side. A couple of years in Japan is a nice way to finish, still putting into rugby but not the grind of SR or NH and even better KR and family can soak in the culture of Japan. I can only wish him well in the future.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
I think Frizzel will be 6. Whitelock May leave after 2019 and by all accounts big Brodie may have a sabbatical in Japan for a few years. And is it really worthwhile to move Barrett when he is looking world class at lock?
Wal
Roar Guru
If anyone hasn't had the pleasure, try and get your hands on the Amazon Special All or Nothing, All Blacks. Plenty of cliches and sporting tropes however Read comes across as humble, intelligent and honest
Wal
Roar Guru
Brilliant Thanks Carlos
Wal
Roar Guru
Huge hopes Akira Ioane lives up to his potential, the timing could be perfect for him to excel next year. I think Scott Barrett could be an effective 6 certainly has the pace and engine for it. The cupboard is a bit bare @ 8 so as Papanui said Ardie has the goods.
Ralph
Roar Guru
It's true.
Wal
Roar Guru
Will do, the biggest mistake people make (I think I have for this upcoming trip) is underestimate travel times. We are doing 14 days, Christchurch-Wanaka-West Coast-Nelson-Chch. 2000km and about 40 hours driving. I concur with others about Te-Anau/Milford. AMAZING having done it before we just don't have time this trip. Check it out here https://maps.roadtrippers.com/trips/24004491?utm_source=mail&utm_campaign=trip_guide&utm_medium=ios It's far too much and we still have heaps to cull from it but has some of the highlights The roads are great (single lane mostly) but because some of the terrain is so mountainous you certainly can't rely on the old 100kms taking about an hour.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Let me know how it goes, so that I can prepare!
Wal
Roar Guru
Doing exactly the same trip in April Fionn First trip "home" in 16 years so can't wait.
woodart
Guest
if you have never been here before, you are going to be using "wow" heaps. Im a nth islander and the sth island blows me away whenever Im lucky enough to get down there. you WILL love it. spend some money and do some scenic flying and filming . you will drive your mates wild with the photos.up in the mountains the air will give you a headrush with its clarity. wear sunblock, might not be as hot as oz, but the sun is a killer .
Bluffboy
Roar Rookie
Maybe Ken the lines that I write need to be wider so you won't have so much trouble reading between them. Thank you for your interest, but my original reply was for the interestingly name ClassAct. Since you have taken the time, let me be 100% on this (so there is no reason for you to think an argument is required) the result obviously isn't, the suggestion it's a New Zealand Conspiracy is (just look above). You would have to agree, this has not been the first time an Allblacks neck rolling conspiracy has been suggested on the forum.
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
Looking for a couple of days of easiesh walking, the aptly named Paradise and nearby Earnslaw Glacier (close to Queenstown) with a chance to stand under a spine tingling waterfall are all great options without getting too rugged and remote!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Bluffboy, you introduced the issue as a ‘deliberate targeting’ one. So if you don’t want people to follow that line of thought why introduce it? Yours looks like an opinion wandering around in search of an argument. I repeat, neck injuries are not ‘laughable’.
richard
Guest
Simply a wonderful player. Fantastic career and all the very best Kieran.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Bit further to go than NZ, and a tad pricier – both in terms of airfares and once I get to Norway!
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Thanks mate ????
Peterj
Guest
Just an absolute pleasure to watch. As a long suffering Aussie rugby fan I've always admired everything he does on and off the pitch. He seems like an absolute gentleman off the pitch and plays with all the heart and passion you'd want on it. I always remember his comment during the lions series of "Wow! This is rugby" I felt he was well within in his rights to be filthy about the decision but he just kept on going. Possibly the most complete number 8 I've ever seen. Enjoy your time in Japan and retirement. You've earned it!
ClassAct
Guest
Not laughable Bluffboy. Owen Franks and the AB’s deliberately target Pocock’s neck and seriously injured him last year. As the NZRU’s influence in the IRB almost rivals India’s in the ICC - Owen Franks was never sanctioned. I’m pretty sure they even tried to suspend Pocock for attacking Franks’ hands with his neck ;)