Crusaders scrumhalf Andy Ellis will leave the franchise at the end of the 2016 season.

Ellis is set to play his 150th Super Rugby game for the Christchurch-based side against the Waratahs on Friday, since making his debut in 2006. He also became an All Black in the same year and has earned 28 Test caps

‘I love this team as much now as I did when I was growing up dreaming of one day making it this far,’ Ellis said. ‘It has been a privilege and an honour to represent to the Crusaders for the past 10 years and, to be honest, I don't really want it to end. But I have thought my decision through carefully and it is really important to me that I finish on a high and while I am still loving it, so I know this is the right thing for me to do. I will give absolutely everything I've got to this team for the rest of the 2016 season and then leave here with no regrets.'

The 32-year-old scrumhalf will continue playing for Japannese Top League club Kobelco Steelers, where he has been since 2014.

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images