Rugby: All Black Marshall off to English rugby

Justin Marshall

All Black halfback Justin Marshall will join English rugby club Leeds in July.

He hopes to make the series against the British Lions this year his swansong, a New Zealand Rugby Union media release said last night.

The 31-year old Canterbury and Crusaders stalwart has exercised an option in his contract to join Leeds immediately after the Lions series.

The 77-test veteran says he is "incredibly grateful" for the opportunities he had through Canterbury, Crusaders and the All Blacks.

"When I look back over the last 10 years of my playing career in New Zealand I feel incredibly satisfied all I have experienced and achieved," the 77-test veteran said in the statement.

"As a kid my dream was to one day wear the All Black jersey. To have been fortunate enough to wear the number nine jersey throughout the last 10 years has certainly been an honour and given me memories I will never forget.

"I have relished the competitive environment in New Zealand at all levels of the game and I have great pride in our country and my province Canterbury for what we have achieved on the international arena.

"I will miss my many friendships with teammates in various teams but know they will long continue in my life."

Marshall, left out of the All Blacks' end-of-the-year tour of the northern hemisphere last year, said Leeds would present him new challenges.

"It's exciting to have the opportunity to set new goals, and compete in a different competition.

"On a personal level (his wife) Nicolle and I are looking forward to travelling with our young family, it's an opportunity to step out of the comfort zone and enjoy new experiences together."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "I fully understand why Justin is making the change at this stage of his career and while we never like losing world-class players from our ranks, there is no doubting that he has served New Zealand rugby well over a long period of time.

"This is a lifestyle and professional opportunity for him and his family."

Henry said Marshall had made a significant contribution to New Zealand rugby and the All Blacks both on and off the field, and he was a personality in the game who would be missed.

With 84 appearances, including 77 tests, Marshall is the highest capped halfback in All Black history, having first represented his country in 1995 on the All Blacks' tour of Italy and France.

His 24 test tries are a record for a New Zealand halfback, more than doubling the next best, the 10 scored by Sid Going.

He became the All Blacks most capped back when he played Tonga at the 2003 World Cup, reaching 67 tests and he was the All Blacks 54th test captain, when he led the side in Britain in 1997.

Canterbury Rugby Football Union and Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said Marshall's contribution to Canterbury and Crusaders was "immeasurable".

"His professionalism and the manner in which he carries himself have been outstanding. He also brought a never-say-die attitude and team-first focus to everything he did - which is what drives the very best rugby teams and the very best players."

Marshall will play for the Crusaders for his and the franchise's 10th season this year and will be available for All Black selection against the touring Lions in June-July before he intends to join Leeds.

- NZPA