Former All Blacks centre Keith Lowen has switched colours to South Africa, announcing on Saturday he had signed with the Central Cheetahs for next year’s expanded Super 14 southern hemisphere rugby championship.
The long-serving Waikato Chiefs Super 12 player, and one-Test All Black against England in 2002, said he had signed a one-year deal with the new South African franchise.
”I am at the point where I feel that going to South Africa will give me new challenges and I can reignite my career,” Lowen said.
The 29-year-old Lowen, who has played 55 games for the Chiefs, was recommended to the Cheetahs by former All Blacks coach John Mitchell who is a friend of Cheetahs coach Rassie Eerasmus.
Mitchell is coaching the new Australian franchise Western Force.
The departure of Lowen continues the rapid depletion of experienced New Zealand playeres.
Among others to sign contracts overseas this year have been long-time All Blacks Justin Marshall, Andrew Mehrtens, Carlos Spencer, Jonah Lomu and Carl Hoeft.
Former All Blacks utility Adrian Cashmore is heading to Wales at the end of the New Zealand season. – Sapa-AFP