Flavell bound for Japan - again
Turning Japanese: Flavell set to end his career in Japan
Troy Flavell is set to see out his playing days in Japan at the conclusion of this year's Super 14 campaign.
New Zealand media revealed the 22-capped All Black and current Blues captain will return to Japan to see out his playing days after his New Zealand Rugby Union contract expires at the end of the season.
A source at the Japanese Rugby Union told the media that Flavell will be returning to the land of the Rising Sun.
"It has been agreed for Troy to return to Japan,'' the source said.
"He played very well for Toyota when he was there before and I'm sure he will be just as good this time in Japan.''
A source in New Zealand confirmed Flavell's departure.
"Troy hasn't got anything left to prove in New Zealand and at the age of 31 he's not getting any younger.''
Flavell was one of the unluckiest players to miss out on the World Cup squad last year and had every right to feel he was badly treated by the All Blacks selectors.
He was brought into the squad for his ability to play lock and blindside flanker but never got a chance in any of his five tests to play at number six.
And strangely, was made the fall guy for the team's 15-20 loss to the Wallabies in Melbourne.
It has been reported that Flavell issued then-manager Rob Brady a "get me out of here quick" notice immediately after the naming of the World Cup team.
But Brady instructed Flavell to remain in New Zealand until at least the end of the 2008 Super 14 to avoid being snapped up on the cheap around the World Cup when it was very much a buyer's market.
Flavell will be New Zealand's top rugby export as long as the NZRU can hang on to Dan Carter.
He has proved with the Blues that his hot-headed days are behind him and that he has genuine leadership qualities.
Flavell was linked with Nick Evans as being on Ulster's hitlist of players to sign for next season but it appears neither will go.
Evans, who has an out-clause on his contract, could be more inclined to stay because of the success he's having with the Blues and must feel for the first time that he's in a position to challenge Daniel Carter for the All Blacks number ten jersey.
Flavell may have already played his last game for Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup. It's possible he'll ask the NZRU to be released from his contract to move to Japan in time for the start of their season in September.