New Zealand scrumhalf Brad Weber will continue his career in Europe after the Rugby World Cup, drawing the curtain on a 10-year career at the Waikato Chiefs and likely his involvement in the All Blacks.
The Chiefs co-captain and 18-test halfback has been linked with French club Stade Francais but did not confirm his destination in a statement on Friday.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm that this season will be my last at the Chiefs, a team that has meant so much to me and my family over the past 10 years,” the 32-year-old said.
“I would have loved to see out my career at the Chiefs, but I am also very excited to try something different, taking on a new challenge in Europe, playing and living abroad.”
With overseas-based players ineligible for All Blacks selection, the Sept. 8 to Oct. 28 World Cup in France may be Weber’s international swansong if picked in coach Ian Foster’s squad.
A part of the All Blacks squad that reached the 2019 World Cup semi-finals in Japan, Weber’s departure will further deplete New Zealand’s stock of experienced halfbacks, with long-serving scrumhalf Aaron Smith set for Japan after the global showpiece in France.
A top performer for the Chiefs and their most capped back, the diminutive Weber will hope to help the side claim their third Super Rugby title this season and first since back-to-back triumphs in 2012-13.
The Chiefs, who host the Wellington Hurricanes in Hamilton on Saturday, are five points clear at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific table with three rounds before the post-season finals.
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