KEY POINTS:
Crusaders stalwart Caleb Ralph will leave New Zealand at the end of this year's Super 14 rugby competition to play in Japan.
Ralph has signed a two-year deal with Japanese club, Sanix, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) announced today.
Ralph, who is one try short of equalling Doug Howlett's Super rugby record of 59 tries, played 14 tests for New Zealand between 1998 and 2003.
The winger or centre made four appearances at the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and scored nine tries in his All Blacks career.
Ralph, 30, said he was honoured to have represented New Zealand at the highest level.
"I have been fortunate to play the game at all levels for a very long time, and be part of winning teams along the way.
"It is with great sadness that I leave a country that has been good to me but at the same time I am excited about the new challenge in Japan."
Ralph first made his mark on the provincial rugby scene in 1996 for Bay of Plenty before playing for Auckland (17 games), Canterbury (66) and Tasman (seven).
In Super rugby, Ralph played three games for the Chiefs, six for the Blues and 124 for the Crusaders.
Other career highlights include being a member of the unbeaten Junior All Blacks team in 2005 and 2006 and playing regularly for New Zealand Maori for eight years, including the team's historic win against the British and Irish Lions in 2005.
NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said Ralph had made a huge contribution to New Zealand rugby at all levels for over a decade.
" Caleb has had a long and distinguished career in New Zealand.
"We wish him well in the latest chapter of his life," Sorensen said.
Another Canterbury/Crusaders veteran, former All Blacks captain, Reuben Thorne, also heads to Japan at the end of the Super 14 to link up with the Yamaha club.
- NZPA
