Kerr-Barlow signs for La Rochelle

Chiefs half-back Tawera Kerr-Barlow will leave New Zealand at the end of 2017 to join French club La Rochelle.

The 25-test cap All Black signed a three-year deal with Top 14 leaders La Rochelle, where he will link up with former All Blacks Victor Vito and Jason Eaton.

Kerr-Barlow has made 70 appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby since debuting against the Brumbies in 2011.

“I’m excited to announce that the next chapter of my rugby career will be with La Rochelle in France," he said.

"It was an extremely hard decision to make, but I feel it is the right one for my family and myself. I’ve always wanted to play rugby in New Zealand and to represent teams like Waikato and the Chiefs which is where my family comes from. It was a childhood dream of mine to become an All Black and it has been a privilege to represent my country.

Chiefs head coach Dave Rennie said: “Tawera is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet and has been a pleasure to work with.

"Caring and competitive are two traits that stand out, but it’s his work ethic and leadership around defence that makes him world-class. Tawera is in the form of his life, we wish him well.”