To Osaka and Kintetsu

Crusaders fullback Blenheim-born Leon MacDonald has signed a two-year deal with the Kintetsu Liners Club in Japan. The 31-year-old said he had signed a deal with Kintetsu and will join the Osaka-based club in June once he completes his Super 14 commitments with Canterbury Crusaders. MacDonald played 56 tests for the All Blacks between 2000 and 2008 and 118 matches for the Crusaders. “Leon has performed at the very highest level and has done fantastically well for the All Blacks, Crusaders and Canterbury,” New Zealand coach Graham Henry said. “He has had to overcome major obstacles with injury and has returned to play some exceptional rugby.” In the 2004 season, MacDonald played for Yamaha Jubilo in Japan.