Wyatt Crockett has called time on his All Blacks career.
The 71-test prop has announced his retirement with immediate effect from international rugby, and this will be his last year with the Crusaders where he will leave as the most capped player in Super Rugby history.
Crockett has signed a two-year deal with Tasman, his home province to wrap up his rugby career.
He says the time is right for him to retire.
Crockett said his decision to end a 71-Test career was made late last year and he informed coach Steve Hansen in January.
"It is never an easy thing to know when the time is right but my family have made a number of sacrifices over the past 13 years which have allowed me to live out my dream," Crockett said.
"Now it's time for me to give back to them, simply by being there more than I have been able to as a professional rugby player.
"I intend on making the most of my last season with the Crusaders, enjoying every minute of it and giving this team everything I've got."
Crockett's final Test was against Wales in Cardiff in November, where he registered personal victory number 66.
His winning success rate of 93 per cent is better than any player with more than 50 caps in the history of Tests.
He also holds a world record for playing in 49 consecutive victorious Tests, from 2012 to 2017.
Often an understudy to Tony Woodcock and Joe Moody, Crockett was largely employed as an impact player, using his destructive scrummaging to excellent effect.
He became Super Rugby's most capped player last year when overtaking the record of his good friend and former All Blacks front row team-mate Keven Mealamu.
Saturday's win over the Chiefs was his 188th appearance, leaving him with a shot at reaching 200.
He has played 340 first-class games and is fourth on the all-time New Zealand list, behind Mealamu (384), Sir Colin Meads (361) and Sean Fitzpatrick (346).
Hansen says Crockett's contribution can't be overstated.
"He's been a great servant of the game and definitely enhanced the jersey during his time in it," Hansen said.
"He leaves the All Blacks as a world-class front rower, senior professional and much-loved member of our squad."
- additional reporting, NZN
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