KEY POINTS:
Former All Blacks flanker Marty Holah has joined the post rugby World Cup exodus to Europe, today confirming he has signed a two-year deal with Welsh club Ospreys.
The 30-year-old will head to Wales at the end of Waikato's Air NZ Cup campaign in October.
Holah, who has played in the shadow of All Blacks captain Richie McCaw since the pair made their test debuts in 2001, earned his last test cap against South Africa in August 2006.
He has not figured in the All Blacks' selectors plans since as Wellington's Chris Masoe has been favoured as McCaw's back-up.
Holah, who played 36 tests, said he would leave the country with few regrets.
"While it is sad for me to leave Waikato and the Chiefs, it is the right time in my rugby career to make such a move," he said.
"Playing overseas presents me with a new challenge - it is one that I'm looking forward to."
Waikato Rugby Union and Chiefs franchise chief executive Gary Dawson described Holah as a "consummate professional" both on and off the field.
"Marty always conducts himself in a professional manner. It is sad to see Marty leave us but he goes with our best wishes.
"He has represented his province, franchise and country with distinction.
"His consistent form over his many seasons, in a position which puts huge demands on his body, must be commended," Dawson said.
Holah became the 999th All Black when he made his debut against Samoa at Albany.
McCaw's arrival on the international scene later that year on November's northern hemisphere tour limited Holah's opportunities to make the run-on side.
He was named in the starting line-up 12 times - mostly when McCaw was injured - and last ran on as a blindside flanker in tandem with the Cantabrian in Hamilton against Ireland in June 2006.
The durable Holah logged 81 appearances for the Chiefs - one short of record holding prop Michael Collins - including 78 in succession.
He will also add to his 65 provincial caps for Auckland before heading to Wales, where former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall is a familiar face on the roster.
- NZPA
