All Blacks flyhalf Lima Sopoaga says the decision to take up a contract with the Wasps in England was ‘one of the hardest decisions’ of his life.

Sopoaga has confirmed that he will be leaving New Zealand at the end of the 2018 season, which is set to rule the 26-year-old out of contention for next year’s World Cup.

In an emotional post on Instagram, Sopoaga said it had been a very difficult decision.

‘It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that my family and I will be leaving NZ [New Zealand] at the end of the 2018 season.

‘It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but is one I’m at peace with. I have loved every minute of being a professional footballer here in NZ, I’ve made life long friends and memories that I’ll cherish forever.’

Photo: Getty Images