The veteran All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock is leaving the Blues to play for the Highlanders next season after 10 years and 113 games for the Auckland-based Super Rugby team.
Woodcock became a Blues centurion last year but says while he wants to continue playing rugby and living in New Zealand, he was searching for something new to refresh and invigorate him and his rugby.
The 31-year-old says it was a big call and not an easy one to make but he thinks the decision is best for him and his family.
The loss of Woodcock, who's widely considered the world's best loosehead prop, will make the rebuilding task for the new Blues coach Sir John Kirwan that much tougher next season.
