Former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane has brought his run with the Crusaders to a close after just one Super Rugby season in Canterbury.
Crusaders new recruit Digby Ioane. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Ioane joined the Crusaders at the start of 2017 but was hampered by injuries as the red-and-blacks claimed the Super Rugby title, playing just three games.
He'll remain with his current Japanese club, the Robbie Deans-coached Panasonic Wild Knights, for next year's campaign.
Ioane credited the Crusaders for restoring his love of rugby, but said his body was no longer suited to the rigours of Super Rugby.
"I'll miss my teammates and all of the other people I met while I was there - there's some awesome young talent in the Crusaders' squad," Ioane said.
"For me, at this stage of my playing career, I'm aware I'm much more likely to end up dealing with injuries at that Super Rugby level.
"It feels great to be injury-free and getting regular game time at the moment, so I know that this is the right thing for me."
Former Wallabies winger Digby Ioane on the burst against the All Blacks in 2011. Photo: Photosport
The 32-year-old Ioane - who was born in New Zealand before moving to Australia as a child - has played for the Wallabies 35 times.
He has previously played for the Western Force and Queensland Reds, as well as Paris-based side Stade Francais.
- AAP
