Rugby: All Blacks, Blues prop Karl Tu'inukuafe to leave New Zealand for French side Montpellier in 2023

Karl Tu'inukuafe against Tonga (2021). Credit: Image - Photsport; Video - Newshub

The All Blacks and Blues will lose prop Karl Tu'inukuafe at the end of 2022, leaving for the French Top 14.

Tu'inukuafe, 29, will reportedly link up with French side Montpellier in 2023, bringing to an end his time in New Zealand.

The 29-test All Black has previously played in the French second division with Narbonne in the 2015/16 season, before returning to New Zealand with the Chiefs as injury cover.

That stint with the Chiefs caught the eye of national selectors, giving Tu'inukuafe his first taste of the All Blacks in 2018.

But in the current logjam for loosehead props in the front row, Tu'inukuafe will walk away from a shot at the All Blacks' quest to win back the Rugby World Cup next year, and head to France instead,

Tu'inukuafe faces competition from the likes of Joe Moody, Ethan de Groot and George Bower in the race for the All Blacks' No.1 jersey.

And in confirming Tu'inukuafe's departure, the Blues took to social media to wish him all the best for his next move.

"We would like to announce that Karl will finish his time with the Blues at the end of this season," the Blues posted on social media.

"The 'Big Uce' has been a massive part of our squad and its successes over the last three years. Toko, we wish you and your family all the best with the next chapter of your life.

"We'll catch you for some Kava whenever you're in town. Until then, we've still got some work to do."

The Blues currently lead Super Rugby Pacific with two rounds to play and can secure top spot in the round-robin with victory over the Brumbies in Canberra this week.

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