Fiji born All Black winger Sevu Reece is leaving for France at the end of next year.
The Crusaders confirmed the 28-year-old's departure on Thursday morning, having signed for French club Perpignan.
The 37-test winger remains contracted with New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders for the entirety of 2026.
However, Reece has likely played his final test after falling down the pecking order in Scott Robertson's pool of wingers and decided to head offshore, ending any chance of playing at the next Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Players plying their trade overseas cannot be selected for the All Blacks.
He will still complete one more Super Rugby Pacific campaign for the Crusaders.
Reece says the Crusaders have given him everything and he will forever be grateful for all the opportunities he has had in the red and black.
He says he will miss so many things about the club, but mainly the people - they are what make the Crusaders special.
The winger says the friendships he has made in his time there will stay with him forever.He says it is a bittersweet time and this has not been an easv decision at all, but he and his family are really excited for this next adventure together in France, however he still has a job to do at the Crusaders .
Reece says he cannot wait for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and is really hoping he can finish on a high and win one last title, and to do that under the roof at the new stadium will be unreal.
Source: stuff.co
