Crusaders and All Blacks veteran Sam Whitelock is set to depart New Zealand shores, having signed a two-year deal with French club Pau.
The 34-year-old has played 176 games for the Crusaders since debuting for the franchise in 2010, while he has also played 143 Tests for New Zealand.
Whitelock will join up with younger brother Luke at the French club after the conclusion of this year's Rugby World Cup.
He said the offer was "too good to pass up".
"My little brother is in Section Pau. Rugby's going the full circle, it's going back to what it was when we were first growing up as little kids playing at home on the lawn.
"It's going to be a pretty easy transition having them [Luke and wife Claire] there, so I've got a translator there which is going to be nice."
Becoming a Crusader and All Black was never something Whitelock thought he would achieve.
"When I was at school people were starting to talk saying that I could make a living out of playing rugby. I never thought that was a possibility.
"I never thought I'd play one first class game, never thought I'd play for Canterbury or any of those things, so to still be here after a few years, it's very, very humbling because I've been helped by so many different people, franchises, teams and coaches."
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson described Whitelock as an "iconic rugby player" who had taught him a lot throughout his coaching career.
“He’s iconic because of his consistency in form at all levels, spanning three decades and being at the top of his game throughout that time,” Robertson said.
He said Whitelock’s game understanding and “his ability to win big moments in big games” set him apart.
“He has an innate ability to connect the group and know what needs to be said at the right time on and off the field.
“He’s a great mate and a pleasure to coach.
“If there’s one player who lives the Crusaders culture it’s him, through consistency, his daily habits and his leadership.”
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