KEY POINTS:
Auckland midfielder Sam Tuitupou heads for a playing career in England with the best wishes of All Blacks rugby coach Graham Henry.
Tuitupou, 25, confirmed today he was taking up a 2-1/2 year contract with English premiership club Worcester at the end of the year, after the Air New Zealand Cup.
"We just feel that it is the right time for the family and I to get away, and experience a new environment and a new opportunity," Tuitupou said in a statement.
"I certainly haven't ruled out a return to New Zealand in the future, we will just see what the future brings,"
Henry said Tuitupou had been a quality player and team person for numerous teams.
"His game is epitomised by his block-busting ball carrying and his devastating tackling," Henry said.
"We wish him and his family success and happiness in their new challenge."
Tuitupou returned to the All Blacks squad last year after making his debut in 2004, playing against Argentina and in two Tri Nations tests against South Africa.
He has played nine tests for the All Blacks and scored one try.
Tuitupou captained New Zealand under-21 to the world title in 2003, and also captained the New Zealand under-19 team.
He has won two NPC titles with Auckland and a Super championship with the Blues in 2003.
The hard-hitting midfielder has played 38 times for Auckland in domestic rugby, and 45 times in Super rugby for the Blues and Chiefs.
Worcester are fighting relegation, sitting just one point above Northampton at the bottom of the Premiership table.
- NZPA
