Excited to join Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan for the next two seasons. 🏉 Looking forward to experiencing a new culture 🇯🇵 👍🏻

But his commitments in Japan means he'll miss playing for the Wellington Lions in the National Provincial Championship in 2016 and 2017.

READ MORE:

* Solitary change for Hurricanes

* Super Rugby set for dysfunctional break

* Umaga sceptical on BB move

* Press play on Super Rugby

Jane, who's won 53 caps for the All Blacks, has been heavily linked with a move to Japan this year.

And the Brave Lupus have confirmed the 2011 World Cup winner's signature, along with South African playmaker Coenie van Wyk.

"I'm looking forward to playing in Japan and to experiencing a new culture and taking on a new challenge," Jane said in a statement.

"It was important to me that I honoured the remaining year on my Hurricanes contract and of course that I was sure I was doing what was best for my family. To have achieved both of those things is great."

Will still be playing for the Hurricanes in 2017..

LOVE this team & I've still got plenty left in me..

Journey isn't done yet 👌🏻 — Cory Jane (@CoryJane1080) June 30, 2016

Jane admitted it was tough to rule himself out of playing in the NPC for the next two years, but he's still keen to excel in Super Rugby.

"That was one of the tough parts about making my decision, knowing that I might not get the chance to pull on the Wellington jersey again," added Jane.

"Obviously it's a team I really love, it's where I started and I always take a lot of pride in representing my home province. Who knows, if my body is still willing I might still get the chance to play for Wellington again in the future."

"I still feel like I have a lot to offer in Super Rugby. I've really enjoyed this season and with my immediate future secure I can't wait to get stuck into the rest of the season, starting with the Blues on Saturday night."

Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee wished Jane well ahead of his move to Japan and said he was pleased to keep him on board for 2017.

"CJ's hitting top form, he's a great personality and we still love having him part of our club," said Lee. "We wish him all the best for his Japan adventure later this year."

Jane is one of only eight players to have played 100 matches for the Hurricanes and he's scored 28 tries since his debut against the Queensland Reds in 2007.

He's also played 65 times for the Wellington Lions since his provincial debut in 2003, scoring 25 tries. He also represented Hawke's Bay 2004.

Wellington Rugby Union chief executive Steve Rogers said there was no hesitation in releasing Jane from his commitments to the NPC.

"Cory has been a loyal servant for the Lions over a long period of time and we wish him and his family all the best in Japan," he said.

"He's been a huge asset to Wellington rugby both on and off the field since he burst onto the scene for Upper Hutt in the late 1990s.



"Who knows, we may see Cory in a Wellington jersey again before he's finished, but if we don't then he has certainly left a significant mark."