Mils Muliaina announces Japan exit

JASON OXENHAM/Stuff.co.nz

THE NEW BLACK: It will be a very snug fit and Mils Muliaina believes the new All Blacks playing jersey will win universal approval when it is unveiled against the Springboks.

Related Links

McCaw and Muliaina both want Fitzy's All Blacks record Mils Muliaina to say sayonara to NZ? Chief Mils Muliaina marks another milestone Mils Muliaina knocks up a century of super rugby

Relevant offers

Rugby

Mitch's Lions face a fight for surivival Daniel Halangahu a surprise Waratahs skipper Robinson starts for Chiefs against old team Hammett puts Canes' onus on togetherness Messam may not be leader when Chiefs run out Blackadder seeks set-piece security for Crusaders Kaino relaxed about where he slots in with Blues Thomas Waldrom staying on with Leicester Highlanders coach again looks to 'Mr Fixit' Smith Internet lets Carter maintain Crusaders links

Distinguished All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina has announced he will leave New Zealand rugby to play in Japan next year.

The Waikato, Chiefs and All Blacks custodian ended months of speculation by unveiling details of his two-year contract with Japanese club NTT Docomo.

The 30-year-old, 94-test veteran said the decision to end a remarkable New Zealand career came down to a lifestyle choice for he and his family.

"I consider myself to have been incredibly lucky with my career in New Zealand," he said.

"Rugby has offered me so many wonderful opportunities and experiences that will stay with me forever. It's hard to single any one moment out but obviously winning Commonwealth Gold and the opportunity to captain my country were things I thought were only dreams when I was growing up.

"But, once this season is over it will be time for something different. Japan itself offers a completely different culture and way of life that my entire family is looking forward to experiencing."

NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen paid tribute to Muliaina.

"Mils is a rugby legend.  He has achieved so much in New Zealand, especially with the All Blacks and it's exciting for him that he can head off next year on another rugby adventure with his family. We certainly wish them all the best."

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry has known Muliaina since he moved from Southland to Auckland as a schoolboy.

"Mils goes to Japan next year with the best wishes of everyone involved in the All Blacks. He is a special All Black; along with Richie McCaw our most capped test player; an outstanding footballer who is the best in the world in his position," Henry said.

"Mils is a natural leader, he has tremendous respect of his peers and has helped considerably in the development of younger players. He has been a key member of the leadership group and has also captained the team when Richie has been injured. We will get the chance to thanks Mils personally for his contribution and commitment to the All Blacks later this year but for now, we congratulate him and wife Hayley on the next exciting adventure."

One of the best fullbacks in world rugby, Muliaina made his provincial debut for Auckland in 1999, his Super Rugby debut for the Blues in 2001 and his All Blacks debut against England in 2003 and has largely been the first-choice fullback since then.

In 2004 he was the only player selected for every test and captained the All Blacks in three tests in 2009. He jointly holds the All Blacks test record of 94 with Richie McCaw and has scored 32 tries for 160 points, putting him eighth on the test try-scoring list and 14^th on the all-time test points-scoring list.

Muliaina played 49 games for the Blues before transferring to Waikato and the Chiefs in 2006 and played his 100^th Super Rugby and 50^th Chiefs match last month. Muliaina also played for the New Zealand Sevens team from 1999 to 2002, winning a Commonwealth Games gold medal at the 2002 Manchester Games.

Chiefs Coach Ian Foster commented:  "Mils has worked hard to get his post-World Cup plans organised and we are pleased that he has secured the option he has wanted.  He will be missed by this Franchise, on and off the park, and whilst we know he is clearly focused for us and the World Cup, we wish him, Hayley and son Max well in this new venture."

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First

shan   #8   12:19 am Oct 01 2011

All the best Mils for the future but we would love for u 2 stay in nz ! Good Luck Bro :D

elmasri   #7   07:06 pm Jun 03 2011

Milsey superb AB meanest footwork and will be sorely missed.

Will no doubt play a key role in the world cup.

Good luck Mr Muliaina

LOWKEY   #6   11:53 am Jun 02 2011

when will NZRFU offer better oppertunitys/insentives to keep them here!

shaby   #5   08:48 am Jun 02 2011

All class and a sure and steady player on attach and defense. You will be missed in NZ rugby!!

Stun THe Mullet   #4   08:38 am Jun 02 2011

Great All Black career Mils and all the best in Japan.

Dave   #3   08:38 am Jun 02 2011

Good luck abroad Milsy! Thanks for the memories!

kanye   #2   08:38 am Jun 02 2011

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. You still had at least 2 years in the AB's, now I have to put up with that twit Dagg.

Rugbyfan #1   #1   08:23 am Jun 02 2011

No Milsy say it isn't so! What a loss to NZ rugby he will be but after such a successful career here with the AB's he deserves a stint overseas, however if you are still playing rugby in 2014 we would love you back :)

Ad Feedback