REDS CONFERM BRAID TO HEAD BACK TO NEW ZEALAND

Former All Blacks flanker Daniel Braid is coming home to New Zealand after signing with the New Zealand Rugby Union and Auckland Rugby from 1 July 2010 until the end of 2012.

Braid will play out his second Rebel Sport Super 14 season with the Reds, then return to play for Auckland in the 2010 ITM Cup. He will be available to the Blues for the 2011 and 2012 expanded Super Rugby competitions.

He will be eligible for All Blacks consideration once he has played for Auckland.

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew welcomed Braid’s return as a positive sign for New Zealand rugby.

“We’re delighted that Daniel has chosen to come back and commit to New Zealand rugby. He has been an outstanding player both in his previous time in New Zealand and during this time with the Reds and his talent is widely recognised.

“From his development through New Zealand age grade teams, to his appearances for Auckland and the Blues, Daniel has been impressive. At age 21, his form earned him a spot in the All Blacks squad at the end of 2002,” Mr Tew said.

Braid was named winner of the Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Trophy for player of the year at the Steinlager Rugby Awards in 2007 and he has continued to attract attention with his strong form for Queensland in the 2009 and 2010 Super Rugby seasons.

Auckland Rugby and Blues Chief Executive Andy Dalton welcomed Braid’s decision to return.

“Daniel’s return to Auckland Rugby and the Blues is a welcome one. With more than 100 combined caps for both the union and the franchise, Daniel was an experienced senior member of our teams and we are thrilled he is coming home,” Mr Dalton said.

The openside flanker said his desire to try and secure a place in the All Blacks for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 had been a strong motivator in his decision.

“I am very happy to be returning to Auckland and New Zealand during such an exciting time for New Zealand rugby. Having the Rugby World Cup in your home country and the opportunity to potentially push for a place to represent New Zealand is a once in a lifetime opportunity and this was a factor in my decision to return home.

“I have enjoyed my time at the Reds, and am hoping to leave on a high note as part of a team that has improved enormously this season,” he said.