Prop Owen Franks will leave for English club Northampton after the World Cup, ending a decade of yeoman service for the All Blacks on the tighthead side of the scrum.
One of the world's premier front-rowers since his Test debut in 2009, Franks has chosen to play alongside his brother and former All Blacks prop Ben in the English midlands.
A two-time World Cup winner, who has been a rock for champion Crusaders and Canterbury teams at domestic level, Franks has been hampered by Achilles tendon problems in recent seasons.
"New Zealand will always be home, but Northampton presents a great opportunity for me to test myself in a new rugby environment, and reconnect with family there," he said.
"While I know I'll look back at the end of my time in New Zealand with an immense amount of pride, I still have a lot I want to achieve this year and some big goals to tick off before I leave."
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen paid tribute to the 31-year-old, whose uncompromising approach to fitness and wellbeing has become the stuff of legend.
He famously took a protein shake to his own wedding, the sort of commitment that Hansen says explains his tally of 106 Tests.
"Owie is one of the most professional players I've had the privilege of coaching. The standards he sets for himself - and others - are exemplary," Hansen said.
Franks became the ninth All Blacks centurion in last year's win over Australia at Eden Park.
He can climb from seventh to as high as fifth this year on the list of most capped New Zealanders, leaving him just behind fellow-prop and long-time teammate Tony Woodcock.
