All Black inside centre Aaron Mauger will leave New Zealand rugby after the World Cup to play for Leicester in England, he announced on Monday.
He will play for the Canterbury Crusaders in the Super 14 competition this year before taking up a contract for two-and-a half-years with the Tigers in December.
The 26-year-old already has 38 Tests to his name and said in a statement on Monday that the time was right for his family to have a stint overseas.
”I’d also love to finish my career with Canterbury and if I’m still playing well enough possibly have a crack at the 2011 World Cup,” he said.
But his first goal is to make this year’s World Cup.
”My immediate focus is the Super 14 and getting selected for the All Blacks again,” he said. ”It’s good to have this deal done so I can focus on that challenge.”
All Black coach Graham Henry said he hoped Mauger would play again in New Zealand after his English contract ends in 2010.
”He’s a world-class player and has also made a significant contribution as a leader both on and off the field,” Henry said.
”His decision-making ability has been integral to the All Blacks’ success.”
Mauger has played six seasons for the Crusaders and made his All Black debut in 2001, building a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most tactically astute players.
However, he faces a challenge for the number 12 spot from Luke McAllister. Henry shuffled his midfield back selections last year in an attempt to fill the hole left by the retirement of Tana Umaga.
Mauger is still recovering from knee surgery and is one of 22 All Blacks who will miss the first seven rounds of the Super 14 in favour of a reconditioning programme ahead of the World Cup. — Sapa-AFP