Blues utility back Isa Nacewa is joining the rugby migration from New Zealand to Europe, announcing today that he had signed with Leinster.
Nacewa, 25, will join the Irish club when his contractual obligations end in New Zealand, which is effectively after the present Super 14 campaign withthe Blues.
He said the decision to leave Auckland was a difficult one.
"I really enjoy playing for the Blues and Auckland but am very aware I have to make the most of my playing career while I can," he said.
"All of us in this game know it is for a finite time-period so it really comes down to making smart decisions short and long-term."
Nacewa - who has operated at first five-eighth, centre, wing and his present spot of fullback for the Blues - said making the All Blacks remained a goal.
However, the reality was that, with the present rules permitting players to represent only one country, that was not an option right now, "so I have to get on with my career".
At the 2003 World Cup, Auckland-born Nacewa, then 21, was called into the Fiji squad and had just a couple of minutes' action as a substitute.
At the time, he didn't know that would bar him from playing for the All Blacks.
Blues' coach David Nucifora said he wasn't surprised by news of Nacewa's departure because he had been in demand for some time.
"He is such an outstanding player to have in your line-up and has the ability to cover nearly every backline position," he said.
"His authority and leadership within this squad is exemplary and Leinster is very fortunate to have him."
Blues' and Auckland chief executive Andy Dalton said Nacewa had shown his loyalty by resisting tempting offers in the past in his pursuit of the All Black jersey.
"It's a shame Isa is even in this predicament," he said.
"I hope long-term there will be a way he can play for the country he was born and raised in."
Nacewa has appeared 40 times for the Blues, having made his Super 14 debut in 2005 against the Highlanders.
