After signing on to stay with New Zealand Rugby until the end of 2019, Kieran Read announced he will make the move to Auckland, signing with province Counties Manakau.
Making the announcement at his former high school Rosehill College in Papakura, south Auckland, Read said there was a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
"I love playing for the All Blacks and Crusaders, love playing alongside my teammates and love the respective cultures, so it was an easy decision for me to recommit to New Zealand Rugby," Read said.
"There are some pretty exciting things coming up over the next few years, especially the Rugby World Cup at the end of 2019, so I'm definitely looking forward to that.
Read will stay with the Crusaders, a team he has played over 130 games for.
When he's not on All Black duty during the Mitre 10 Cup, he'll play for Counties Manakau. And he said he was looking forward to coming home where his "heart lies".
"I grew up playing my rugby in Drury and remember going to the old Growers Stadium to watch Jonah Lomu and Joeli Vidiri carve up for Counties and I played age-grade rugby for the province.
"It was important for me to come full circle and sign with the province where it all started and hopefully give something back to the community I love."
Read joins a number of All Blacks who have signed through to 2019 and beyond, including Sam Whitelock, All Blacks Vice-Captain Ben Smith, Anton Lienert-Brown, Owen Franks, Israel Dagg, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Julian Savea, Dane Coles, Sonny Bill Williams, Joe Moody, Patrick Tuipulotu, Liam Squire, Nathan Harris and Liam Coltman.
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