New Zealand rugby has paid tribute to the Auckland, Blues and All Blacks winger Josevata Rokocoko who has confirmed he is leaving to play in France.
The 27-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Bayonne and will move at the end of the year.
The NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen says Rokocoko has been an outstanding professional, on and off the field.
And the Blues coach Pat Lam says Rokocoko 's work ethic, manner and respect for the jerseys he's worn, the people he works with and the fans is admirable.
Rokocoko says the decision is one of the biggest he's had to make but the time has come.
In a sensational debut season in 2003 he scored 17 tries in 12 Tests, a world record for a calendar year.
He's now played 68 Tests and has scored 46 tries, three behind the All Blacks record-holder and former Blues team-mate Doug Howlett. SOC
