All Black Victor Vito has signed a three-year deal to play his rugby in France.
The two-time World Cup winning All Black will join Top 14 club La Rochelle at the end of the 2016 Super Rugby season.
The 28-year-old said it was a tough decision to leave New Zealand, but believed it was the right time for the move.
"I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to represent the All Blacks, Wellington and the Hurricanes over the past ten years," Vito said.
"It's been an honour and I've cherished every match, but I feel like the time has come for a fresh challenge and I'm excited about the next chapter with La Rochelle."
Vito running out on his debut against Ireland (Photosport)
Vito has played 33 Tests for the All Blacks since making his debut against Ireland in 2010 and was a member of the 2011 and 2015 World Cup winning squads.
"It's been a bit of a roller coaster for me in the All Blacks being in and out of the side for the past six seasons and if I'm honest I probably wasn't mentally ready until 2014.
"Luckily for me Steve Hansen and the other coaches persevered and over the past two years in particular I've been pretty proud of what I've done in the black jersey.
"It's never easy to fight the ego and say no to the chance to represent your country, but my young family trumps my ego any day, especially when there is a chance to provide them with a better future."
Vito burst onto the national scene in 2008 at the Wellington Sevens, where he scored the winning try in the final against Samoa.
Vito attempts to bring down Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo (Photosport)
He went on to make his Hurricanes debut in 2009 against the Highlanders, and will be hoping to go one better in his final season with the franchise after last season's 21-14 loss to the Highlanders in the final.
"There'd be no better way to leave than by winning a Super Rugby title with the Hurricanes and bring a title to the region in 2016.
"Right now I'm putting all my efforts into making sure we get our preparation right in the preseason so we can give ourselves a chance later in the year."
Vito won't be leaving behind the black and yellow altogether, with his new club in France playing in the same colours.
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