Giving up All Blacks jersey tough for Mills Muliaina

Giving up the chance to continue wearing the All Black jersey was the most difficult part of the decision to take up a two-year rugby contract in Japan after the World Cup, fullback Mils Muliaina said yesterday.
Muliaina, whose 94 tests makes him the equal highest capped New Zealander along with Richie McCaw, yesterday confirmed his impending move offshore, saying he had signed with Osaka-based NTT Docomo.
"I think the hardest thing about this whole decision was letting go of New Zealand and letting go of the All Black jersey, knowing that you're not going to be able to wear it again," he said.
"It was massive and there were a lot of nights thinking about it and worrying about it. I've been pretty emotional about it, but having the last couple of months to reflect and knowing that it's happening has made it easier."
Wellington, Hurricanes and All Blacks stalwart Rodney So'oialo also indicated he was heading to Japan, saying he put his family first when it came to making a decision to sign a deal with Japanese club Honda Heat. The 31-year-old, who was granted an early release from his contract with the NZRU, will take up a two-deal at the club based in Suzuka City.
While he is set to leave New Zealand rugby at the end of the year, making the World Cup squad remains a big goal for Muliaina, who made his test debut against England in 2003.
He said it was difficult to single out any one moment of his career so far, although winning a 2002 Commonwealth Games sevens gold medal in Manchester and captaining his country, which he did in three tests, were up there.
Muliaina made his Super rugby debut in 2001 with the Blues, amassing 49 appearances before transferring to the Chiefs in 2006.
As skipper of the Hamilton-based franchise, he brought up two personal milestones last month, playing his 50th match for the Chiefs and then the 100th Super rugby match of his career.
NTT Docomo are newly promoted to Japan's top division and Muliaina said what he had seen of their style of play was that it was "hard, fast and pretty explosive".
"They like to throw the ball around and there are a lot of Kiwis over there as well and that attracted me into going there," he said. "It's expansive rugby. I know the Japanese go at it full steam and all guns blazing. Hopefully, that will suit the way I play and I can bring something to them as well, which would be great."
Among the New Zealanders at the club is coach Andrew McCormick.
Muliaina, 30, said part of the reason for going to Japan was the chance for him, wife Hayley and their 2-year-old son, Max, to experience a new culture.
He said the devastating earthquake and tsunami that battered the country in March hadn't put them off and he actually signed the heads of agreement two days after the disaster stuck.
"We are a long way away in the south and we are easy about it," he said. "The Japanese are carrying on with their lives and that is something we will embracing."
Muliaina's immediate focus is on the Chiefs' match with the Blues in Auckland tomorrow night. While his final season in the competition won't end with his side making the play-offs, he said any personal disappointment wasn't foremost in his mind.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed what I've done with the guys," he said.