All Blacks and Crusaders midfielder Ryan Crotty will join the Kubota Spears at the end of the year.

Crotty has made 142 appearances for the Crusaders since 2009 and earned 44 Test caps for the All Blacks.

‘The All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury rugby have been such an important part of my life and I’m grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to represent my country, my province and my family over the years,’ he said in a statement.

‘I’m a proud Cantabrian and Christchurch will always be home, but I’m really looking forward to taking on a new challenge in the Top League as part of the Kubota Spears club.

‘I know I’ll look back at the end of my career in New Zealand with really fond memories of the experiences I’ve had and what I’ve achieved alongside my good mates, but for now, my focus is enjoying the season ahead and helping to lead this Crusaders side one last time in 2019.’

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