All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett has confirmed his immediate retirement from international rugby.
The 35-year-old has announced he'll play out his final Super Rugby campaign with the Crusaders this year before moving back to his hometown of Nelson, where's signed on with provincial side the Tasman Mako for two seasons.
"It is never an easy thing to know when the time is right, but my family have made a number of sacrifices over the past 13 years which have allowed me to live out my dream. Now it's time for me to give back to them, simply by being there more than I have been able to as a professional rugby player," Crockett said via statement.
"To all of the coaches, management, supporters and of course, my team mates over the years, thank you for your belief, support and friendship throughout my international and Super Rugby career.
"I intend on making the most of my last season with the Crusaders, enjoying every minute of it and giving this team everything I've got."
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, who's been with the side throughout Crockett's tenure, offered up some parting words of thanks to the man he calls "Crocky".
"He's been a great servant of the game and definitely enhanced the jersey during his time in it," said Hansen.
"He leaves the All Blacks as a world-class front rower, senior professional and much-loved member of our squad. We're all incredibly proud of what he has achieved and we wish him and his family all the very best."
Crockett played a total of 71Tests for New Zealand, part of the World Cup-winning side in 2015.
He was named the Super Rugby player of the year in 2011, and will finish his career as the competition's most capped player of all time (188).
He's also fourth on the list for first-class games played by a New Zealander with a total of 340, behind Keven Mealamu (384), Sir Colin Meads (361) and Sean Fitzpatrick (346).
Raised in Golden Bay where he enjoyed an "idyllic" lifestyle, Crockett's eager to get among the burgeoning Tasman provincial side and help provide some guidance for a new generation of front-rowers.
"I'm excited to give back to the province of my youth. I know that I go with Canterbury’s blessing and will arrive with a great desire to play well and to contribute to a team that has done great things in NZ rugby since its formation in 2006," he told RugbyPass.
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