Blues’ Stephen Brett to join Japanese club Toyota Verblitz – Rugby News
The Blues player, Stephen Brett, is set to join Japanese rugby club Toyota Verblitz at the end of his current deal with New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). His contract with the Blues and NZRU will come to an end after the Rugby World Cup 2011 and Brett has
revealed his fresh overseas contract today, June 29.
The first-five-eight is currently busy with the Blues in their Super Rugby championship run and will participate in their upcoming semi-final clash against the Queensland Reds. However, his inclusion in the Rugby World 2011 squad will remain in doubt as
New Zealand Rugby Union has a policy of selecting only board committed players.
Stephen Brett started his Super Rugby career in 2006 for the Crusaders and played four consecutive seasons for the derby. Later on he shifted towards the Blues in 2010 and will conclude his Super Rugby career with the end of current season. He spent more
time on the field than any other player from the Blues in 2010.
Talking to the reporters Brett said that he has enjoyed his time in New Zealand and wants to play off-shore rugby now. He further said that, “I've had a wonderful rugby career in New Zealand, having played for both the Blues and Crusaders in Super Rugby,
provincial rugby for Canterbury and represented New Zealand in the NZ U21s, Junior All Blacks and NZ Maori teams. While it's impossible to thank all the people you want to - they know who they are.”
The Blues’ officials have appreciated his services to the derby and said that Brett will be missed in the next seasons of Super Rugby. The Blues coach, Pat Lam, said that Brett was a major contributor for the squad. Lam further added, “It was a big call
for Stephen to come to the Blues from the Crusaders and he is well respected in our team. His contribution on and off the field has been a valuable part of our team's growth.”
If Blues lose their upcoming Super Rugby semi-final clash against the Reds on Saturday, it will be Brett’s last appearance for the conference.
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