Brodie Retallick confirmed that he has signed a new deal with the Chiefs and New Zealand rugby to stay in the country until 2023.
Under the new deal announced on Wednesday, the lock will leave New Zealand at the end of 2019 and spend the next two seasons in the Top League with the Kobe Steelers. Retallick would then return to the Chiefs in May 2021 and play until the end of 2023.
The 28-year-old is currently into his eighth year of professional rugby, having made his debut in 2012. Since then, Retallick has gone on to help the All Blacks retain the World Cup in 2015 and was named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2014.
‘It has been a big decision to make, but I’m grateful to be able to have the opportunity to head over to Japan and experience not just the rugby, but for my family, and to be immersed in another culture,’ Retallick said.
‘I’ve been playing high-octane rugby with the Chiefs and All Blacks since 2012, and while I’ve loved every minute of it and my workload has been managed well, I’ve decided to give my body a break from the New Zealand game, so that ultimately I can extend my career here.
‘I’m lucky enough to work with a great group of people in both the Chiefs and All Blacks – they’re two teams I love to play for – so I look forward to returning in 2021.’
🎥 REACTION | Get the inside scoop on Brodie Retallick’s unique deal with @NZRugby and @ChiefsRugby which will see him take time away from New Zealand Rugby from 2020.
FULL VIDEO ➡️ https://t.co/ixYaNRPb6l pic.twitter.com/ocGWqTPTj6
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) June 12, 2019
Photo: Michael Bradley/Getty Images
