The retiring All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu says he decided a couple of years ago that he wanted to be a part of this year's World Cup.
The 126-Test veteran has announced that he'll hang up the boots after next month's tournament in England.
The 36-year-old says being a part of a great team meant their was a unique situation of being a part of the first All Blacks team to win a World Cip overseas, and he wanted to be involved in that.
Mealamu broke Colin Meads' domestic record of 361 first-class games last year and was the third All Blacks player to attain 100 test caps.
"At the end of the year I will be looking to retire," Mealamu said.
"It has always been about the enjoyment and love of the game and ... I'm really thankful for the opportunity."
Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The 126-test veteran will take up a role as a rugby ambassador working for New Zealand Rugby for the next two years.
He will have a particular focus on the wider Auckland strategy and community rugby.
New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew said: "We're delighted to announce Keven's appointment as a New Zealand Rugby Ambassador."
Mealamu performs the Haka. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
"He's hugely respected by not only our organisation, but the wider rugby community. He has huge mana amongst the Auckland communities as well for everything he's achieved and is the perfect person to carry out this role."
"As an Aucklander, Keven is well aware of the challenges we face in the greater Auckland region. He's ideally placed to help us encourage more players, coaches and referees to embrace the game in the region," Tew said.
Mealamu said he was "excited and humbled" by the opportunity.
"I've loved my time as a rugby player here in New Zealand and loved being part of all the teams I have represented, particularly the All Blacks. While there's a little bit more I want to achieve this year before I hang up my boots, it's cool to know that I am going to be still involved in rugby in this new role."
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to support the game which I love and which has given me so much, and in my Rugby Ambassador role I look forward to giving back to the game, to the Auckland region, the wider community, and to New Zealand Rugby."
Bidding farewell to the Blues faithful at Eden Park. Photo: Photosport
On the burst for the Blues. Photo: Photosport
Mealamu has played 126 Tests so far for the All Blacks and is the most capped Super Rugby player in history, with 175 appearances.
He has been involved in New Zealand Rugby for more than 30 years since first being selected as a flanker in the schoolboy New Zealand Under 16 side in 1995.
He made his provincial debut for Auckland in 1999, Super Rugby debut in 2000 and All Blacks debut in 2002.
