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LONDON - All Blacks prop Greg Somerville became the latest to join the Europe exodus today when he confirmed his signing with English rugby club Gloucester.
The club announced Somerville would join them in December, after the All Blacks' end-of-year tour of Britain and Ireland, on a two-and-a-half year deal.
"I have achieved virtually everything possible in New Zealand rugby and to have represented the All Blacks will always be something very special to me," he said.
"But this opportunity has developed and the chance to experience a new culture for myself and my family, and contribute to a side that is already right at the top of the English Premiership was an exciting opportunity to take up."
Somerville, 30, played his 59th test in the win over England in Christchurch on Saturday.
He made his test debut in 2000 and established himself as New Zealand's premier tighthead prop before being overtaken by Carl Hayman.
Somerville fought back from a torn achilles tendon suffered in 2006 to make the team for last year's World Cup, and was still seen as a valuable All Blacks squad member with his ability to play both sides of the scrum.
The Hawke's Bay-raised prop became the fourth man to play a century of matches for the Crusaders in the 2006 Super 14 semifinal victory over the Bulls.
Gloucester coach Dean Ryan hailed Somerville's signing.
To have represented the All Blacks in more than 50 test matches and be versatile to operate on either side of the scrum, means he is an outstanding acquisition for us at this stage of his career."
- NZPA
