All Blacks stalwart Rodney So'oialo has today announced he is leaving New Zealand to play rugby in Japan.
So'oialo will leave New Zealand at the end of this year's Super Rugby season to take up a two-year playing contract with Japanese club Honda Heat.
The 62-Test veteran has been a member of the Hurricanes squad this year but hasn't played a game as he has been troubled by a back injury which has restricted him to a couple of club rugby games in recent weeks.
31-year-old So'oialo said he was looking forward to the rugby and leadership challenges in Japan along with the different cultural experience it will offer.
"I want to thank the NZRU, Hurricanes and Wellington for their continuous support for me over such a long time. I really appreciate everything done for me. It has been a privilege and an honour for me to play for these teams and for my country."
Renowned for his hard-nosed defence and surging attacks, So'oialo made his provincial debut for Wellington in 2000, his Super Rugby debut in 2001 and his All Blacks debut the following year against Wales in Cardiff.
He has played 62 Test matches as an All Black including five as captain and he captained the All Blacks in three different positions (6, 7 and 8). He also has 64 provincial caps and 101 Super Rugby caps. He won a Commonwealth Games gold medal with the New Zealand Sevens team in 2002.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry today paid tribute to So'oialo.
"He was a special All Black and an exceptional man in the team. His total commitment and passion for the All Blacks jersey has been inspirational and a marvellous example to others," Henry said.
"He has also been a key member of the leadership group, commanded enormous respect from his fellow players and was the obvious choice as stand-in captain when Richie McCaw was injured."
Hurricanes Head Coach Mark Hammett said: "Rodney So'oialo is a Hurricane legend who has certainly left his mark on New Zealand rugby. He was a great All Black and All Black captain, whose service to Hurricanes, Wellington and New Zealand rugby is invaluable. He has made a real difference in mentoring the younger guys this season and his commitment shows the type of man he is."
