Blues captain goes to join Cardiff

Blues captain Xavier Rush and the Auckland Rugby Union finally confirmed yesterday he was taking up a playing contract with the Cardiff club in Wales.

Cardiff, also known as the Blues, published his move on their website. He will join the club after the NPC.

"I have been very fortunate in my playing career and have achieved a lot. But now it is time to try something new," Rush, 27, said in a statement.

"It was a difficult decision to make. However, I have always wanted to play overseas and wanted to do so while I was still young enough to make a worthwhile contribution. I didn't want it to be a retirement package."

Auckland's NPC coach Pat Lam said a player of Rush's experience would be missed, but it would also create opportunities for others.

"Xavier has been a fine player for Auckland and I know he will want to make his final NPC campaign a successful one," Lam said.

All Black coach Graham Henry praised Rush's contribution to Auckland and New Zealand rugby.

"He's been immense, he's been an outstanding leader," Henry said yesterday.

"He always gives 150 [per cent]. He's got a huge respect from the Auckland public.

"He and Carlos Spencer have been key players for Auckland over the last five to six years. He's captained them to NPC and Super 12 titles. I think he did a great job this year with a young side destroyed by injury."

- NZPA