Ryan Crotty, who has 44 caps for the All Blacks, has inked a deal with Japanese side Kubota Spears, the Top League club said Monday.

The 30-year-old center made his debut with the New Zealand national team in 2013. He was also vice captain of the Crusaders when the Christchurch-based side won back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2017 and 2018.

(Ryan Crotty of New Zealand All Blacks celebrates victory following the Quilter International match between England and New Zealand at Twickenham Stadium on Nov. 10, 2018 in London.)[Getty/Kyodo]

Crotty made his first start for the Crusaders in 2009 and has Super Rugby 142 caps.

In a statement released by the Chiba Prefecture-based Top League side, he said he is looking forward to joining the team and experiencing many things through playing Japanese rugby.

New Zealand captain Kieran Read also confirmed earlier this month he will join Top League side Toyota Verblitz following this year's Rugby World Cup.

The Top League will not kick off until next January following a break after the World Cup closes in November.