New Zealand rugby has today paid tribute to Auckland, Blues and All Blacks winger Josevata Rokocoko who has confirmed he is leaving to play rugby in France.
27-year-old Rokocoko has signed a two-year deal with French club Bayonne and will join them at the end of the year.
“This is the one of the biggest decisions I’ve had to make in my life," Rokocoko said
"I first played for the Blues and then the All Blacks as a teenager eight years ago and along with Auckland, they have been my rugby family ever since.
"To move away from that and my life in New Zealand is such a major step but the time has come, and my wife and I are excited to be facing a new chapter in our lives with our young son.”
“I want to thank Auckland Rugby, the Blues and NZRU for all the opportunities and support they have given me and I am truly blessed to have had such an amazing rugby career in New Zealand,” he added.
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen has paid tribute to Rokocoko.
"Joe has been an outstanding professional player for New Zealand both on and off the field and he has been hugely popular with the fans. He has already achieved incredible things in the black jersey and has given so much to New Zealand rugby. We wish him and his family all the best for next year when they head to France and look forward to having him back in New Zealand sometime in the future.”
Blues Coach Pat Lam added: “I believe Joe Rokocoko to be one of rugby’s finest men. It is not just his natural ability, but also his substance. Joe’s work ethic, his manner and respect for the jerseys he has worn, the people he works amongst and the fans who love the game, is admirable. We wish him all the best in France and thank him for the outstanding service he has given to Auckland Rugby and the Blues.”
First selected for the All Blacks in 2003, Rokocoko had a sensational debut season, scoring 17 tries in 12 Tests, a world record for a calendar year. He has now played 68 Tests and has scored 46 tries, three behind All Blacks record-holder Doug Howlett. He has played 90 games for the Blues since 2003 and has scored 40 tries.
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