Lock Brad Thorn is set to end his All Blacks career following this year's World Cup in New Zealand after he agreed to sign a two-contract with Japanese club Fukuoka Sanix Blues.
The 36-year-old Thorn will join the Japanese club at the conclusion of the September 9-October 23 tournament.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has a policy of only selecting players based in New Zealand and the move to Japan will therefore end Thorn's international career.
Born in New Zealand, Thorn moved to Australia as a child and forged a successful rugby league career before changing codes three times. He has now accumulated 50 Test caps for the All Blacks.
He joins prop John Afoa and winger Sitiveni Sivivatu as long-term All Blacks who have said they would leave New Zealand after the World Cup, while French club Toulouse said on Wednesday Luke McAlister had signed until the end of the 2013/14 season.
The NZRU has asked the All Blacks to clarify their playing future before the World Cup with captain Richie McCaw and five-eighth Daniel Carter still to confirm if they will stay or leave New Zealand afterwards.
- Reuters
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