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Wellington - Former All Black Jerome Kaino revealed on Friday he will return to New Zealand from Japan after signing a two-year contract that takes him through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Kaino, 30, was one of the stars of New Zealand's World Cup triumph in 2011, before departing to play club rugby in Japan last year.
The loose forward said he was returning home to his old Super 15 club the Blues and had also signed a contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
"Hey guys I can confirm I have signed with the NZRU & Blues for 2014/15, very excited about the challenge ahead," he tweeted.
Kaino has played 48 Tests for the All Blacks, scoring eight tries and claiming the 2011 New Zealand player of the year award.
He will have to compete with the likes of Victor Vito, Liam Messam and Steven Luatua for an All Blacks spot, with Fairfax New Zealand reporting there is a get-out clause allowing him to go back overseas if he does not make the grade.
