All Blacks and Highlanders flanker Elliot Dixon has signed a deal with the Ricoh Black Rams, ruling him out of future international selection.
The 28-year-old will join the Japanese outfit following the conclusion of the current Super Rugby campaign. Dixon has earned three caps for New Zealand but has fallen down the pecking order, with the likes of Vaea Fifita overtaking the back-rower.
He will be joined at the Rams by Crusaders centre Tim Bateman, who has also agreed to go and play in the Top League.