Another Irish side has signed a young All Black, with Munster confirming Blues back Francis Saili will join the club on a two-year deal.
Two-Test midfield back Saili, who made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in 2013, will move to the province later this year after the completion of his 2015 contractual commitments.
The 24-year-old is the eighth All Black this year to announce their departure for an offshore contract.
His announcement comes less than a week after another young Test back, Blues teammate Charles Piutau, surprised many in the New Zealand rugby fraternity with his decision to sign with Irish club Ulster.
Saili shone at schoolboy level was part of the New Zealand under-20 side who won the junior world championship in Italy in 2011.
He represented Auckland and North Harbour at NPC level and is into his fourth Super Rugby season with the Blues.
His Test progress halted in 2014 because of greater competition from the likes of Malakai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty.
Munster head coach Anthony Foley described Saili's signature as a coup.
"He is a talented centre with an impressive skill-set and he possesses the physical attributes to excel in the northern hemisphere."
Saili said in a Munster statement that he is looking forward to a new challenge.
"I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am fortunate to move to a club held in such high regard, with values and traditions I can relate to from my time here in the Blues.
"As difficult as it is to leave the Blues I look forward to the exciting challenge ahead."
DEPARTING ALL BLACKS:
Charles Piutau (Ulster), Frank Halai (Wasps), Conrad Smith (Pau), Ma'a Nonu (Toulon), Francis Saili (Munster), Dan Carter (Racing Metro), Jeremy Thrush (Gloucester), Ben Franks (London Irish).
NZN