Kieran Read to quit tests after Rugby World Cup

All Blacks captain Kieran Read has indicated he will quit internationals after next year's Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The 33-year-old Read says he will likely explore opportunities to play overseas after 2019. He says retirement from all rugby is a possibility but he would prefer to continue his career in Europe or Japan.

Read is almost certain he'll be taking up an overseas contract after the showpiece. What he has not sorted out yet is where he will be going.

By that stage, Read will be 34 and have completed his third World Cup – having been part of the victorious teams in 2011 and 2015.

"It probably won't be in New Zealand," Read said. "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. 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 it wrapped up before the start of the (2019) season because then you can give 100 percent because you know what you will be doing."

Read first captained the All Blacks in 2012 then succeeded Richie McCaw as regular captain after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Sam Whitelock, who has led New Zealand during Read's injury absences, will likely assume the captaincy when Read departs.