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Auckland's shock defeat at Eden Park at the hands of Northland yesterday ended Daniel Braid's eight-year association with the province.
Braid, who will join the Queensland Reds for next year's Super 14, had been hoping to recover from an ankle injury to help Auckland's playoff campaign.
Instead, he departs with his last act in the famed blue-and-white jersey after limping off against Bay of Plenty in round seven.
"It's very disappointing, I feel for the guys," Braid said after yesterday's defeat.
New Zealand rugby's player of the year last year, the former All Black joins the Reds as a marquee player under relaxed eligibility rules regarding the signing of foreign players.
"I've made it public that I've wanted to go overseas with my partner for quite a while. This gives me an opportunity to go overseas, play Super 14 and after that I've got a lot of options."
Although his path to the All Blacks was blocked by Richie McCaw, the loss of a player widely considered to be the All Black captain's long-term back-up is a blow to the national side.
"He is a valued player and we put a lot of work into what we thought was an attractive and flexible package for Daniel, but he has opted to head to Australia so we are disappointed to see him go," NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said.
Braid played 78 games for Auckland and 59 matches for the Blues. He was headhunted by the Reds as a replacement for long-serving openside David Croft.
His departure further thins the loose forward ranks at the Blues already hit by the intended retirement of Northland captain Justin Collins and the departure of Troy Flavell.
Assistant coach Shane Howarth said he had discussed the move with Braid and advised him to do what he thought was best for his career.
"He's given New Zealand a hell of a lot of loyal service and if that is an opportunity that is there for him then good on him and good luck to him," Howarth said.
