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Japan-bound Read explains snubbing Europe move

By Peter Thompson
All Blacks captain Kieran Read during Rugby Championship match against Argentina. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

New Zealand captain Kieran Read revealed that being closer to home and having a less hectic schedule were his main reasons for snubbing European clubs in favour of a move to Japan.

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It was announced on Wednesday that Crusaders number eight Read will end his All Blacks career after the Rugby World Cup and join Toyota Verblitz next year.

Read had been linked with Top 14 heavyweights Racing 92 and a move to England, but felt a switch to the Top League was his best option.

“With three kids and a family it is a lot closer to home,” Read said. “And for my age, and my body, in terms of the amount of footy you play there compared to Europe and the UK. They are probably the main reasons.”

He added: “It was reasonably straightforward. There were different options, but I just really sat down and looked at all the different aspects of making a decision – it really stood out, I guess, in terms of Japan and the Toyota club as well.

“It offered something pretty unique to be there and enjoy a slice of Japan life.”

The two-time World Cup winner knows it will be tough when the time comes to depart after so many years at the top with the All Blacks and Crusaders.

“I think it is always hard leaving a place that I have been a part of for a number of years, 13 years or so. So that will be hard when I get to that point,” said the 2013 World Rugby Player of the Year.

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“Right now, to be honest, it’s just a decision being made and I am sure when we get to the end of the season with the Crusaders and All Blacks there will be different emotions coming on then.

“I enjoy what I do and I love what New Zealand Rugby and the Crusaders have given me in that time.”

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Trevor 57 minutes ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 4 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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