Mehrtens will miss big games

Andrew Mehrtens

Andrew Mehrtens says he will miss the big time when he moves to Harlequins.

The All Black first five is heading to the English second division club on a two year contract.

He will play his final game for Canterbury on Wednesday in a Shield defence against Marlborough in Christchurch before leaving next month.

Mehrtens, who is used to success with Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks, has a big task ahead of him.

He says he is looking forward to helping Harlequins back up into the top flight of English rugby.

He admits, though, that he is going to miss test match fever and the atmosphere of running onto the field with your mates for a big game.

Mehrtens is the All Blacks' record test points scorer but says his best moments come from giving other players the ball.

He says it was hugely rewarding in the past, putting players like Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu into space.

Andrew Mehrtens says he is keen to get into coaching later in his career after already fulfilling an unofficial technical role over the last few years.

- NEWSTALK ZB