His Test career officially done and dusted, now-former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has his sights firmly locked on his newest challenge.
Having hung up his All Blacks boots after finishing third at this year's Rugby World Cup, Read will soon head back to Japan, continuing his career with Top League side Toyota Verblitz.
As the All Blacks arrived back to New Zealand this morning, Read spoke to media about his next move.
"I'm out of New Zealand [and] back to Japan," he said.
"It's going to be a new challenge, a new chapter for me and my family. I can't wait for that."
An All Black for 11 years, Read leaves the jersey with his name alongside some of the game's greats.
The 34-year-old is looking back fondly on his time with the All Blacks.
"I never set out thinking it was going to be 127 Tests and played for as long as I did.
"Once you're there, you're just so hungry to keep it going for as long as you did. I just wanted to do that, and do it proud.
"Looking back, I'm sure there's going to be fond memories across the whole 127 Tests. I'm pretty stoked with that."
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