News

Braid abandons NZ rugby

October 05 2008

All Black flank Daniel Braid is set to leave New Zealand rugby after signing for the Queensland Reds Super 14 franchise.

The Auckland star, who played the last of his four Tests for New Zealand against the Wallabies in July, has signed a two-year deal with the Australian team.

The 27-year-old was named Maori Player of the Year and the Kel Tremain Memorial Player of the Year for 2007 and takes his leave with a heavy heart.

"This has been the toughest decision I've had to make in my rugby career," Braid said.

"I've been with Auckland for eight years and the Blues for six and this is my home.

"However, I also wanted to experience something new in rugby and to me this is the best of both worlds. I still get to play in this competition but in a different environment with some fresh new challenges."

Braid's decision to head across the Tasman makes him the first 'marquee foreigner' signed under the newly-introduced Australian Rugby Union (ARU) foreign player policy.

Each of the four Australian Super 14 franchises are now allowed to sign one player who is not eligible to play for the Wallabies.

The Reds targeted Braid, who has played more than 78 games for Auckland and 59 for the Blues, in their search to replace veteran loose forward David Croft, who retired this year.

It is another worrying departure for the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), however, as it leaves no obvious experienced specialist openside flanker as back-up to All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.

Developing depth at number seven is an area New Zealand assistant coach Steve Hansen has already highlighted as a priority for the upcoming end-of-season tour.

NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen admitted it was disappointing to lose a player of Braid's experience and calibre.

"He is a valued player and we put a lot of work into what we thought was an attractive and flexible package for Daniel but he has opted to head to Australia so we are disappointed to see him go," he said.

Auckland Rugby and Blues chief executive Andy Dalton thanked the flanker for his contribution to the Auckland and Blues teams

"Daniel is an inspirational player and leader both on and off the field. He will be a big loss to us but we understand his reasons for heading offshore and farewell him with sincere best wishes."

Braid, the son of former All Black Gary Braid, made his All Blacks debut against Wales in 2002, the same year he played for the New Zealand Under-21 team, and was part of the 2003 World Cup squad.

He has also played for the Junior All Blacks and the New Zealand Maori team and was recalled to the All Blacks this year after a five-year absence when McCaw was injured, playing in the Test in Sydney.