All Blacks World Cup winners Ben Smith and Aaron Cruden have sealed moves to Japan's Top League, both penning contracts with the Kobe Steelers.
Cruden and Smith will begin playing for the Steelers, when Japan's Top League rugby union competition resumes next season in January 2021, after this season was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Steelers won the 2019 Top League title on the back of a stellar season from former All Blacks first-five Dan Carter.
Smith, the sixth-highest tryscorer in New Zealand history, will join from France's Pau. He has 84 caps and was part of the All Blacks team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2015.
"I am incredibly competitive and still feel like I have lots to offer," says Smith. "I am hopeful that I can help the Steelers add to their impressive trophy cabinet."
Cruden, who was a replacement for Carter when the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup in 2011, is set to make his 100th Super Rugby appearance for the Chiefs on Saturday, when they host the Crusaders in Hamilton.
They join a host of top international players in the Top League rugby competition next season, headlined by New Zealand's Beauden Barrett.
Meanwhile, Barrett's Blues teammate, Matt Duffie, has signed to play for the Honda Heat.
"I look forward to new challenges and embracing a new culture," says Duffie, who played two games for the All Blacks in 2017.
"I have spent some time with Honda over the last few years, which has allowed me to forge some relationships with players and staff, which will be of advantage to the club and myself."
Duffie is the first player to transfer between the two clubs, since the Blues began a coaching and performance relationship between the two franchises.
Join us for live updates of the Chiefs and Crusaders from 7:05pm Saturday
