Another All Black swaps Super Rugby for Japan

Yesterday at 01:46 AM

TRANSFER NEWS: All Blacks fullback Shaun Stevenson has become the latest southern hemisphere player to head to Japan.

The Chiefs star has been granted an immediate short-term release by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the franchise.

He will join Japanese side Kubota Spears, who are sitting fifth on the Japan League One ladder.

Stevenson will return to New Zealand to be available for the Chiefs for Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific.

The move comes after months of speculation about the 28-year-old's future in New Zealand, when it was reported that Stevenson was offered a lucrative deal by the Japanese club in the last year of his NZR contract.

Stevenson will linked up with some familiar faces in Japan, as former North Harbour teammate Bryn Hall also plays for the Spears. Former All Blacks defence coach Scott Mcleod is also on the coaching staff of Stevenson's new club.

While there will be a few raised eyebrows with yet another star heading to Japan in pursuit of more money, NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said the decision was a good outcome for all parties.

"We've been discussing Shaun's future for a little while and have reached a decision that balances Shaun's individual circumstances with his commitments to the Chiefs and Super Rugby.

"Shaun has been a professional rugby player in New Zealand for 10 years and has progressed through to the very top of our game. Throughout that time, he has been a committed Chiefs player and remains so for the upcoming season."