Rugby: Braid returning to NZ

Daniel Braid will play for Auckland in this year’s ITM Cup. Photo / Getty Images

Flanker Daniel Braid is returning home to compete for an All Blacks jersey at next year's rugby World Cup.

Braid, 29, has spent the last two seasons playing Super 14 rugby with the Queensland Reds, and the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed today he had signed a two-year deal with the NZRU and the Auckland Rugby Union (ARU), beginning on July 1.

Braid, who produced some eye-catching performances over the last two Super rugby seasons with the Reds, will play for Auckland in this year's national championship and be available for the Blues.

The loose forward said the chance to vie for an All Blacks spot at the World Cup on home soil was his motivation to return.

"I am very happy to be returning to Auckland and New Zealand during such an exciting time for New Zealand rugby," he said in a statement.

"Having the World Cup in your home country and the opportunity to potentially push for a place to represent New Zealand is a once in a lifetime opportunity and this was a factor in my decision to return home.

"I have enjoyed my time at the Reds, and am hoping to leave on a high note as part of a team that has improved enormously this season."

Braid played the most recent of his four tests in 2008 against Australia, having made his test debut against Wales at 21.

He won the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy for player of the year in the 2007 national rugby awards.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew welcomed Braid's return.

"We're delighted that Daniel has chosen to come back and commit to New Zealand rugby.

"He has been an outstanding player both in his previous time in New Zealand and during this time with the Reds and his talent is widely recognised."

Tew told Radio Sport the NZRU was also close to securing the signature of fellow All Blacks loose forward Tanerau Latimer as it looks to boost the stocks of openside flankers behind captain Richie McCaw.

Auckland Rugby and Blues chief executive Andy Dalton also welcomed Braid's decision to return.

"With more than 100 combined caps for both the union and the franchise, Daniel was an experienced senior member of our teams and we are thrilled he is coming home."

- NZPA