World Cup-winning All Black Piri Weepu will leave the Auckland Blues to play for London Welsh, calling time on a stellar international career, reports said Thursday.
The 31-year-old scrum-half decided on the move after falling down the All Blacks' pecking order to rivals such as Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara, with no hope of playing in next year's World Cup, New Zealand media reported.
Fairfax Media said the colourful player had signed a two-year deal with London Welsh, who are on a recruitment drive after being promoted to the English Premiership next season.
Weepu played 71 Tests and was a key part of New Zealand's 2011 triumph on home soil, when fans wore T-shirts saying "Keep Calm and Put Piri On" as the All Blacks' campaign appeared to be faltering.
He also frequently led the All Blacks' pre-match haka war dance and was regarded as one of the side's leadership group.
The All Blacks have a policy of not selecting players who are not based in New Zealand, meaning his international career will be over if he signs for the Oxford-based club.
Source: AFP
