Daniel Braid has become the first overseas player to be signed by an Australian Super rugby team, after the All Black flanker agreed to join the Queensland Reds for the 2009 season.
Braid, who has played with the Blues since 2003 and has been the understudy to All Black skipper Richie McCaw at international level, will join the Reds for their 2009 campaign and becomes the first player to be signed under the new foreign player policy.
Last month the ARU decided to allow Australian Super 14 clubs to sign one marquee foreigner and a second developing foreigner and the Reds have wasted no time in picking up the experienced Braid.
ARU High Performance General Manager David Nucifora believes Braid will strengthen the Reds' squad and that other Australian Super 14 teams will soon follow suit and sign up similar foreign players.
"This case highlights just how important the decision was to allow the states to contract overseas players," Nucifora said.
"The quality of Daniel as a player and a person will be invaluable to the Reds, who needed to fix a problem in terms of depth and experience at openside flanker."
"In terms of development, this will be extremely positive for the Reds."
"Daniel is a world-class player who can help bring through the younger talent emerging in the backrow at Queensland."
"He was the New Zealand Super 14 Player of the Year in 2007 and has consistently been the back-up No.7 to Richie McCaw with the All Blacks."
"What he will bring to the table for Queensland next year will be to the benefit of the Reds, their players and Australian Rugby in general."
Braid said he had no hesitation in accepting the Reds offer to move over the Tasman and play rugby in Queensland.
"I am excited about the opportunity of playing Super 14 out of Queensland, the timing, the place and the team all contributed to my decision," he said.
"It is exciting to be the first to take advantage of the new regulations in Australia. It is also exciting to see the opportunities for professional rugby players growing as the game evolves globally."