All Blacks Muliaina, So'oialo off to Japan
Source: Agencies |
June 3, 2011, Friday
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ALL Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina and his former international teammate Rodney So'oialo have decided to decamp to Japan at the end of their contracts with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
Muliaina, the joint most-capped All Black, will join the NTT Docomo club after the World Cup, while back row forward So'oialo will depart for the Honda Heat at the end of the Super rugby season - an indication that his test career is over.
The NZRU has managed to re-sign more than 20 All Blacks to new contracts to run after it hosts the September 9-October 23 World Cup but Muliaina has decided he needs a new challenge.
"I consider myself to have been incredibly lucky with my career in New Zealand," the 30-year-old Waikato Chiefs back said in a statement.
"Japan itself offers a completely different culture and way of life that my entire family is looking forward to experiencing."
One of the world's best fullbacks, Muliaina made his test debut in 2003 and shares with captain Richie McCaw the record of most international appearances for New Zealand at 94. Both could take their tally above the century mark during the Tri-Nations and World Cup, where Muliaina will also be looking to add to his 32 test tries.
"He is a special All Black... an outstanding footballer who is the best in the world in his position," New Zealand coach Graham Henry said.
So'oialo, 31, was a powerful, big-hitting presence at the back of the All Blacks scrum after making his debut as a 23-year-old in 2002.
He won 62 caps for New Zealand, including five as captain, and along with Muliaina was a member of the sevens team that won Commonwealth Games gold in Manchester in 2002.
"His total commitment and passion for the All Blacks jersey has been inspirational and a marvellous example to others," Henry said. "He has also been a key member of the leadership group, commanded enormous respect from his fellow players and was the obvious choice as stand-in captain when Richie McCaw was injured."
Muliaina, the joint most-capped All Black, will join the NTT Docomo club after the World Cup, while back row forward So'oialo will depart for the Honda Heat at the end of the Super rugby season - an indication that his test career is over.
The NZRU has managed to re-sign more than 20 All Blacks to new contracts to run after it hosts the September 9-October 23 World Cup but Muliaina has decided he needs a new challenge.
"I consider myself to have been incredibly lucky with my career in New Zealand," the 30-year-old Waikato Chiefs back said in a statement.
"Japan itself offers a completely different culture and way of life that my entire family is looking forward to experiencing."
One of the world's best fullbacks, Muliaina made his test debut in 2003 and shares with captain Richie McCaw the record of most international appearances for New Zealand at 94. Both could take their tally above the century mark during the Tri-Nations and World Cup, where Muliaina will also be looking to add to his 32 test tries.
"He is a special All Black... an outstanding footballer who is the best in the world in his position," New Zealand coach Graham Henry said.
So'oialo, 31, was a powerful, big-hitting presence at the back of the All Blacks scrum after making his debut as a 23-year-old in 2002.
He won 62 caps for New Zealand, including five as captain, and along with Muliaina was a member of the sevens team that won Commonwealth Games gold in Manchester in 2002.
"His total commitment and passion for the All Blacks jersey has been inspirational and a marvellous example to others," Henry said. "He has also been a key member of the leadership group, commanded enormous respect from his fellow players and was the obvious choice as stand-in captain when Richie McCaw was injured."
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