Crusaders and former All Blacks wing George Bridge is parting ways with NZ Rugby, after signing on with French club side Montpellier.
Bridger, 27, has inked a five-year deal with the reigning Top 14 champions that will keep him in France until 2025.
After debuting against Japan in 2018, Bridge played 19 tests for the All Blacks, before falling out of favour with the selectors this season. His last test was the loss to France during the annual northern tour last November.
He was a regular on the wing in 2019, scoring four tries in a test against Tonga and earning selection to the Rugby World Cup squad, starting all four tests in Japan.
The Gisborne product made 67 appearances for the Crusaders, which included four Super Rugby titles, but was usurped in the starting XV during their run to the Super Rugby Pacific crown this year.
"I am delighted to sign with a club with the recent success and prestige of Montpellier,” said Bridge. "I look forward to bringing to the club the experience I was able to gain with the Crusaders and the All Blacks."
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson says Bridge will be keenly missed, as much for what he brought to the team off the field as on it.
"George is a man and player who epitomises what it is to be a Crusader," Robertson said.
"He's a hard worker, he's tough and he's a winner. Bridgey is such a good honest man and we can all call him a great mate."
Bridge will play out the rest of the National Provincial Championship with Canterbury, who take on Bay of Plenty in the semi-final on Saturday, before heading to Europe to link with his new club.
Montpellier manager Philippe Saint-Andre says they look forward to adding Bridge's veteran leadership to their squad, which also features former All Blacks prop Karl Tu'inukuafe.
"We are very proud to welcome George among us," said Saint-Andre. "He will put his experience to the benefit of the collective and we look forward to welcoming him among us."
