Samipeni Finau, a 27-year-old loose forward and 12-test All Black, has confirmed his decision to join Japan’s Yokohama Canon Eagles starting next season. The move marks another notable departure in the ongoing trend of New Zealand rugby players heading overseas and foregoing further opportunities with the national team.

Finau’s contract with New Zealand Rugby expired this year, prompting him to consider various international offers before ultimately signing with the team coached by Leon MacDonald. The Chiefs officially announced his departure recently. New All Zealand head coach Dave Rennie had been aware of Finau’s plans and excluded him from the initial 34-man squad announced last week, effectively ruling him out for selection at this time.

This decision follows similar recent moves by other New Zealand loose forwards, such as Devan Flanders from the Hurricanes, who announced his departure two months ago, and Blues players Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu, who have signed with French and English clubs respectively. These exits alleviate some of the selection pressures faced by Rennie and his coaching staff, including Neil Barnes and Sir Graham Henry.

Finau’s departure potentially benefits other players in the loose forward pool, notably his Chiefs teammates Luke Jacobson and Simon Parker. The current group of candidates also includes established All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, and the uncapped Anton Segner, who has impressed sufficiently to be considered seriously for national selection.

Before departing for Japan, Finau will participate in another National Provincial Championship (NPC) season representing Waikato. His move will leave some observers with the sense that his full potential at the international level was never fully realised.