One-Test All Black prop Jamie Mackintosh has made the move to the United States to compete in a new professional league starting in April.
The Southland Stags stalwart will ply his trade with an Ohio-based franchise in the five-team league following his stint as an injury replacement for France's Montpellier in the Top 14.
The 31-year-old played in New Zealand last year for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Southland in the ITM Cup.
Mackintosh is joined in the league by former New Zealand Sevens and Blues player Orene Ai'I, who has signed with a San Francisco-based franchise.
The new league features franchises in Sacramento, San Diego and Denver who have signed Australian code-hopper Timana Tahu.
The league kicks off on April 17.
Newshub.