Rush gets early release to join Cardiff

Former All Blacks No 8 Xavier Rush has been granted an early release to take up his contract with Welsh rugby club Cardiff.

The Auckland Rugby Football Union and New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed today Rush had been released to join Cardiff in time for the start of the Northern Hemisphere season.

Rush was contracted to the NZRU until the end of this year, but hasn't played any NPC matches for Auckland due to glandular fever.

"Xavier has been an outstanding player and leader of Auckland. Given the circumstances it was only right to assist him as best we could for the upcoming Heineken Cup," ARFU chief executive David White said.

NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said the NZRU was also happy to release Rush early.

"He has been a great servant of Auckland, Blues and New Zealand rugby and we wish him all the best in Wales," he said.

Rush said he was grateful to Auckland rugby and the NZRU for allowing him the extra time to adjust to his new life and career in Cardiff.

"I was disappointed that glandular fever kept me from playing for Auckland this year. Auckland rugby has given me so much. I will always be grateful for the opportunities it had given me and the times I have had with the team," Rush said.

Rush will be officially farewelled at halftime in Saturday's NPC match between Auckland and Waikato at Eden Park.

- NZPA