Rapira set to quit New Zealand for Super League

New Zealand Warriors prop Sam Rapira has revealed that he will be leaving the NRL at the end of the season, and heading to Europe to join a Super League club.

The former Kiwi test star, who won a World Cup with New Zealand in 2008, is set to make his tenth NRL season his last in the competition.

“It was a hard decision but I’m pleased to have the next stage of my career sorted,” he said.

Rapira, who has only played senior rugby for the Warriors, has played 169 games in his only club’s colours in the NRL.

Warriors head coach Andrew McFadden added: “Sam is a terrific person and a fantastic team man who encompasses all the values we seek in our players.

“It’s a tough day for everyone here and especially his team-mates. We all want this last year to be the best it can be for Sam. He certainly deserves it after the effort he has put in.”