Both World Rugby and the All Blacks have saluted Kieran Read after the iconic No 8 confirmed his retirement from professional rugby.

Read, 35, stated that he would be ending his career at the conclusion of the Japanese season, which then came to an end for his side Toyota Verblitz after they were defeated by Robbie Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights.

Read was named World Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2013 – played 128 Tests and won two Rugby World Cup medals with the All Blacks in addition to four Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.

Thank you, Reado. We wish you all the best in your retirement from professional rugby. pic.twitter.com/zOCybXOr5G

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) May 15, 2021

127 @AllBlacks Tests
26 Tries
52 Tests as captain
2 x @rugbyworldcup winner
7 x @SanzarTRC winner
4 x @SuperRugby Champion
2013 World Rugby Player of the Year

What a career ? pic.twitter.com/MjcMMFFICS

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) May 15, 2021