Rugby: Jane winging his way to Japan

Cory Jane will be heading to Japan following the Hurricanes' season. Photo / Getty

Cory Jane will be winging his way to Japan after signing a two-year contract with Toshiba but will be back in Hurricanes colours in 2017.

Jane will head to Japan at the conclusion of the current Super Rugby season, where he will join former All Blacks Richard Kahui and Liam Messam as well as Chiefs No 8 Michael Leitch.

"I'm looking forward to playing in Japan and to experiencing a new culture and taking on a new challenge," Jane said. "It was important to me that I honoured the remaining year on my Hurricanes contract and, of course, that I was sure I was doing what was best for my family. To have achieved both of those things is great."

The move means the 33-year-old will miss Wellington's Mitre 10 Cup campaign and be unavailable again in 2017.

"That was one of the tough parts about making my decision, knowing that I might not get the chance to pull on the Wellington jersey again," Jane said. "It's a team I really love, it's where I started and I always take a lot of pride in representing my home province. Who knows, if my body is still willing I might still get the chance to play for Wellington again in the future."

The 53-test All Black acknowledged he was unlikely to play for the All Blacks again but said he was committed to continuing to play at a high level for the Hurricanes.

"I still feel like I have a lot to offer in Super Rugby. I've really enjoyed this season and, with my immediate future secure, I can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the season."

Jane is one of only eight players to have played 100 matches for the Hurricanes and has scored 28 tries since his debut against the Reds in Brisbane in 2007. The wing has played 65 times for Wellington and scored 25 tries since he made his provincial debut against Otago in 2003.