Highlanders say thanks as Sopoaga move confirmed

All Blacks No 10 Lima Sopoaga has used social media to confirm reports he is departing New Zealand and the Highlanders for England.

Sopoaga, 26, posted on Instagram he would leave at the end of this year, with Highlanders chief executive Roger Clark going public to thank him for a ‘‘significant contribution’’.

It was reported on Wednesday that Sopoaga has agreed a move to Aviva Premiership club Wasps but no confirmation had come from the player, the Highlanders or New Zealand Rugby.

Now Sopoaga has put the move beyond doubt.

He gained 16 caps for the All Blacks since making his test debut in July 2015, starting only twice as Beauden Barrett was preferred.

His Super Rugby club the Highlanders said they understood his decision to move to Wasps.

‘‘Lima came to the Highlanders as a 19 year old in 2011 and over the last seven seasons has grown as a player and a man,’’ Clark said on their Facebook page.

‘‘He has been a significant contributor to our club in that period and we’re looking forward to one more season with him before he moves on from our club to the Wasps.

‘‘There comes a time in every players’ career where they have to weigh up what is best for themselves and their family.

‘‘Clearly we would love Lima to stay here at our club but we fully understand his decision to move on to secure his future.

His eight years with the Highlanders ‘‘represents a significant commitment to the club’’, Clark said.

Sopoaga will join Hurricanes captain Brad Shield at Wasps.