Crockett and Kaino say Farewell to All Blacks
NEW ZEALAND WILL FAREWELL TWO OF ITS
LONGEST SERVING and most loyal servants, with Wyatt Crockett and Jerome Kaino having confirmed they won’t be playing Super Rugby next year.
Crockett, who is already the most capped Super Rugby player in history, is hoping to sign o with another title and a record 200 appearances for the Crusaders.
The highly likeable prop has announced he won’t be available for test selection in June, meaning he has closed his international career with 71 caps. Crockett isn’t retiring from all rugby through as he plans to turn out for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup this year and next.
Kaino, who is recognised as one of the hardest men to ever play, has signed with Toulouse. At 34, and coming o contract at the end of this year, he decided to shift to France where he can earn some more money. His test future was uncertain given the rising form of Liam Squire, Vaea Fifita and Akira Ioane so, like Crockett, Kaino opted to call time on his All Blacks career on his own terms.
“It is never an easy thing to know when the time is right, but my family have made a number of sacrifices over the past 13 years which have allowed me to live out my dream,” Crockett said.
“Now it’s time for me to give back to them, simply by being there more than I have been able to as a professional rugby player.
“To all of the coaches, management, supporters and, of course, my team mates over the years, thank you for your belief, support and friendship throughout my international and Super Rugby career.
“I intend on making the most of my last season with the Crusaders, enjoying every minute of it and giving this team everything I’ve got.”
I INTEND ON MAKING THE MOST OF MY LAST SEASON WITH THE CRUSADERS...