Rugby: MacDonald returning to Japan

All Black fullback Leon MacDonald is joining Japanese club Kintetsu at the end of the Super 14. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald is returning to Japan at the end of the Super 14, effectively ending his All Blacks career which began in 2000.

MacDonald, who previously spent a season with Japanese club Yamaha in 2004, is joining Kintetsu.

The Crusaders stalwart has been a regular feature in the All Blacks since his return but his 2008 season was cut short after suffering a serious head knock against the Springboks in Dunedin.

MacDonald has played 56 tests for the All Blacks as well as 116 Super rugby games for the Crusaders and Chiefs, 37 games for Canterbury and 33 for Marlborough.

- NZ HERALD STAFF