7.30am
Record All Blacks tryscorer Christian Cullen has quit New Zealand rugby to sign with Irish club Munster.
Munster's official website confirmed the three-year deal today, with Cullen to join the club at the end of this year.
Munster originally targeted Wallabies fullback Chris Latham but his move was blocked by the Australian
Rugby Union.
Cullen, 27, was unwanted by the All Blacks selectors this year and looked unlikely to make the World Cup squad.
He is the leading All Blacks test tryscorer with 46 tries and the most capped All Blacks fullback with 58 test appearances since his debut against Samoa in 1996.
"I am really thrilled to be coming over to play with Munster. I think it's a great opportunity to play with one of the most successful sides in European rugby," Cullen was quoted as saying on the website.
"One of the major attractions for me was seeing them perform in Europe. Everything about the move is exciting, the supporters, the people involved.
"They are without question one of the best sides in Europe and I'm really looking forward to joining them."
Cullen's omission from the All Blacks after an excellent Super 12 season was the biggest talking point of the early part of the international season.
Cullen played for Wellington against Hawke's Bay on Tuesday but was likely to be overlooked in favour of Canterbury's Ben Blair in the World Cup squad.
Former All Blacks captain Taine Randell, another leading player out of favour this year, was reported to be in talks with several English clubs.
The naming of the All Blacks' Tri-Nations squad on Sunday may also hasten other New Zealand players to sign overseas deals.
Munster coach Alan Gaffney said the deal was "wonderful news".
"Christian is not just world class he's also a really lovely guy who will fit in superbly well here," Gaffney said.
"He is truly a player of enormous stature in the world game and I think it's a huge tribute to Irish rugby but in particular to Munster that he has opted to continue his career with our squad. A great player deserves a great squad."
Cullen will join his former Manawatu team-mate Jason Holland who is a first team regular at the club.
- NZPA
