Skipper to quit All Blacks for Japan after World Cup

This file photo taken on November 10, 2018 shows New Zealand skipper Kieran Read lining up before the autumn international rugby union match against England at Twickenham stadium in southwest London. Read announced on March 6, 2019 he will retire from international rugby after this year's World Cup to play for Japanese club Toyota Verblitz. PHOTO | BEN STANSALL |

WELLINGTON

All Blacks skipper Kieran Read announced Wednesday he will retire from international rugby after this year's World Cup to play for Japanese club Toyota Verblitz.
"My family and I are looking forward to an overseas experience and Japan presents an awesome opportunity to immerse ourselves in Japanese culture as part of the Toyota club," the 33-year-old veteran of 118 Tests said in a statement.