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Former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall says he stopped playing rugby in New Zealand because he was getting "stale."
Marshall, the most capped All Blacks No 9 with 81 tests, quit New Zealand rugby in 2005 and signed for English premiership side Leeds. After one season he signed for Welsh club Ospreys.
He told the Wales on Sunday newspaper that he moved to the northern hemisphere to rejuvenate his career, not to seek out a fat pay cheque in the twilight of his playing years.
"I was starting to go stale in New Zealand," said 33-year-old Marshall.
"I wanted to keep playing and I still have the hunger, the drive and passion to play. I felt if I stayed in New Zealand my career was going to fizzle out.
"I hope people see that I am not over here to finish my career and just pick up a pay cheque. I am a winner and I came to Europe to win.
"I was one of the top two or three earners in New Zealand rugby and was very well paid and an All Black for 10 years.
"I didn't come over here to earn money but to achieve something. Leeds wasn't great but I got voted as one of the top five players in the Guinness Premiership by my peers.
"Once I don't have that drive, I will finish. I am not here because I need to be here, I am here because I want to be here."
Marshall, one of the most competitive and confident halfbacks in recent years, was speaking ahead of the EDF Energy Cup final.
Ospreys were beaten 41-35 by Leicester at Twickenham overnight (NZT).
Besides a glittering career with the All Blacks, Marshall also starred for Super rugby franchise the Crusaders becoming the first player to exceed 100 games.
He played in the winning finals of 1999, 2002 and 2005.
He was also in the Canterbury NPC side that lifted the Ranfurly Shield in 2000 and 2004 and played in the championship teams of 1997, 2001 and 2004.
- NZPA
