Kieran Read Suggests Retirement Plans

All Blacks captain Kieran Read, 33, has said he is likely to quit international rugby after next year’s World Cup in Japan, his third Webb Ellis campaign, and take a contract overseas.

“So for me I think it probably won’t be in New Zealand,” Read told New Zealand media of his post-Japan plans. “We have always thought as a family that we would like to go overseas and use that experience for the kids. That is probably the main option at the moment.

“[Retirement] is an option as well,” he added. “There are plenty of options out there but I probably want to keep playing if I can. It is the experience for the kids that will be the main thing and it has to work for us as a family.

“I hope to have [plans] wrapped up before the start of [next] season because then you can give 100 per cent because you know what you will be doing.”

The All Blacks head to Twickenham this week to meet Eddie Jones’ England before wrapping up their season with away tests against Ireland and Italy.

Read and most first-choice All Blacks were rested for the match against Japan on Saturday at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo, with No 8 Luke Whitelock leading the side against the Brave Blossoms.

The All Blacks side – featuring eight debutants – crushed Japan 69-31, with centre Ngani Laumape running in a hat-trick for the world champions.

Original article by Reuters, The Guardian, November 3, 2018.