RugbyU: Highlanders flanker Blackie to move to Japan

AAP Sports News (Australia), April, 2007

AAP Sports News (Australia) 04-24-2007 RugbyU: Highlanders flanker Blackie to move to Japan WELLINGTON, April 24, 2007 (AFP) - Otago Highlanders flanker Josh Blackie is joining the exodus of high profile New Zealand rugby players after signing a two-year contract with Japanese side Kobe Steel. The 27-year-old loose forward is leaving after nine years of being battered in first class rugby in New Zealand.

Although he never played for the All Blacks, he has been one of the most respected New Zealand flankers in recent seasons. "Japan will give my body a chance to regenerate and hopefully by the time I'm 40, I'll still be able to run down the road," Blackie said Tuesday. He has played 55 games for Super 14 side the Highlanders and 73...

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