Former All Black Luke McAlister has announced his retirement at the age of 34.
The first-five had been linked with a move to Welsh side Ospreys, but has decided to hang up the boots instead.
"I have called it a day on my rugby career," McAlister wrote in an Instagram post. "It's been one hell of a ride, 17 years travelling the globe doing what I love.
"I'm so grateful for the friendships that I've made as well as the endless memories. There's been so many highs and lows along with a shit load of injuries.
"There's been so much work put in over the years, that you guys don't see as well as balancing my family life. Massive thanks to my family for your support over the years. I've had some tough times over my career, and you guys have always been there by my side no matter what.
"And lastly the fans, you guys, thanks for your support over the years.
"I'm proud of my career, and what I've done in this beautiful sport now it's time for the next chapter which is to move back to the best city in the world Toulouse (a little biased)."
McAlister made his All Blacks debut in 2005 during the British and Irish Lions series, and went onto play 30 tests - mainly behind Dan Carter.
But he didn't want to play behind Carter, so he left for England to play for the Sale Sharks at 23.
He returned for a brief stint in New Zealand two years later but then signed with French club Toulouse. He moved to Toulon in 2017, but finished last season with a loan stint at Clermont.
Newshub.
