All Blacks great Kieran Read has ended his career after a semifinal defeat in Japan’s Top League.
35-year-old Read confirmed before leading Steve Hansen’s Toyota Verblitz out against Deans’ Panasonic Wild Knights that he would be ending his career at the conclusion of the Japanese season.
The third most-capped player in All Blacks history was unable to extend his career another week, with the Wild Knights celebrating a 48-21 win.
Read said in a social media post that he is looking forward to returning to New Zealand and spending time with family.
The No 8 – World Rugby’s player of the year in 2013 – played 128 tests (52 as captain) and won two Rugby World Cup medals with the All Blacks and four Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders.
New Zealand Rugby issued a social media tribute, saying: “Thank you, Reado. We wish you all the best in your retirement from professional rugby.’’
Meanwhile, New Zealand teams completed a clean sweep against Australian opposition on the opening weekend of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
The Chiefs beat the Force 20-19, the Crusaders defeated the Brumbies 31-29 while the Blues hammered the Melbourne Rebels 50-3.
The trio of New Zealand wins added to Friday's success for the Highlanders, who outmuscled Australian champions Queensland Reds, and the Hurricanes, who beat the Waratahs.
[Source: Stuff.co.nz]
