PHOTO
Hurricanes and All Blacks stalwart Rodney So'oialo today announced he is leaving New Zealand to play rugby in Japan.
He will finish up at the end of this year's Super 15 season to take up a two-year playing contract with Japanese club Honda Heat.
So'oialo, 31, who is renowned for his hard-nosed defence and surging attacks, 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 for the All Blacks, including five as captain, and won a Commonwealth Games gold medal with the New Zealand sevens team in 2002.