All Blacks, Crusaders midfielder Dallas McLeod signs with English club Exeter

Dallas McLeod played one test for the All Blacks in 2023. Photo / Photosport

For the second time this week, an All Black has announced they are heading overseas.

Crusaders midfielder Dallas McLeod is off to England at the end of the Super Rugby Pacific season, with the 26-year-old signing a deal with Exeter.

His departure comes after Blues skipper Dalton Papali’i revealed he was heading to French club Castres Olympique.

McLeod played a solitary test for the All Blacks against the Wallabies in 2023.

He’s made 54 appearances for the Crusaders but is yet to feature on a team sheet through the opening two rounds of the year.

“Honestly, it’s pretty bittersweet for me,” McLeod said.

“I grew up watching the Crusaders and it was always a goal to wear the red and black. To actually live that out has meant everything.”

“I owe a lot to this club,” he added.

“I’ve made some great mates along the way, and I’ll miss the people here a lot. That’s what makes this place special – they really look after you and always know how to get the best out of everyone who comes through this place.”

McLeod will replace Australia centre Len Ikitau at Exeter.

“Dallas is a really important signing for us. We’ve known that Len Ikitau would be returning to Australia and with Will Rigg also leaving at the end of the season, centre is an area we’ve been looking to strengthen,” Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter said.

“He’s a very experienced player, playing in a very good, very consistently high-performing team in New Zealand. He’s still a player in his prime, someone who looks very consistent, with high accuracy in his game.”