Flavell set to return to Japan
NZPA
May 13, 2008

Former All Black Troy Flavell is to join Tokyo-based rugby team Mitsubishi Dynaboars on a two-year contract after the Super 14.

Flavell, skipper of the Blues, confirmed yesterday that he was heading back to Japan but was unable to release details until today.

The lock/loose forward had a previous two-year stint in Japan ending in 2005.

"The last three years with the Blues, the All Blacks and Auckland have been huge," he said.

"However, at 31 it's time to move on and, as is the nature of this game, my departure provides an opportunity for somebody else."

Flavell played 22 times for the All Blacks, but suffered the major disappointment of missing selection for last year's World Cup.

He made his Super rugby debut for the Chiefs in 1998 before franchise boundary changes saw him switch to the Blues, for whom he has played 70 matches.

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