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Japanese side sign an All Black and a Crusaders midfielder
By Online Editors
Elliot Dixon is heading to Japan.
The 28-year-old Highlanders loose forward is set to join Top League side Ricoh Black Rams at the conclusion of the Super Rugby season, essentially withdrawing his name from All Blacks contention.
According to the Black Rams official website, three-time All Black Dixon will be joined by current Crusaders midfielder Tim Bateman, Waikato lock Jacob Skeen - both former Maori All Blacks - and Waratahs utility Bryce Hegarty.
Dixon last represented the All Blacks in 2016, and has since been usurped by the likes of Vaea Fifita in the All Blacks pecking order, though it's possible he had a chance at re-selection in June following a slew of back row injuries to New Zealand players.
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All Blacks captain Kieran Read is set to miss the national side's June test series against France as he recovers from back surgery, while Dixon's Highlanders teammate Liam Squire likely won't be available for the All Blacks' first test of the year in early June after suffering a broken thumb.
Dixon will leave New Zealand as an accomplished flanker having represented both the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks. He is on track to reach 80 Super Rugby appearances - all with the Highlanders - by the end of the season.
Bateman, 30, will enjoy a third stint in Japan, having spent three seasons with the Fukuoka-based Coca-Cola Red Sparks in between his time with the Hurricanes and Crusaders.
Bateman previously represented New Zealand at the U19 and U21 level, and captained the Maori All Blacks for their North American Tour in 2013.
Former international players to represent the Ricoh Black Rams include Ma'a Nonu, Eroni Clarke, James Haskell and Stephen Larkham.
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You are not right, I don't know any other way to say it.
I understand you'd like to believe that the SA D system has found been somehow 'found out' and its weaknesses exposed.
It suits your agenda that it is only a matter of time before the ABs reclaim their rightful spot at the head of the world game [in all aspects].
It warps your judgment but I say, that's okay.😁
Go to commentsCL Ben targets you guys but never shows the respect you deserve because he gets paid for it! 🥲 True AB supporters will show our support always because of the incredible longevity of our mutual rugby history together as Jen alludes to below. I fondly remember hours spent in early mornings shared with Dad and my brothers in the middle of last century nothing with more than a crackling radio to share commentaries from Jo'burg or Capetown say the same as you guys would do when you Boks came to NZ on long tours with vivid memories without visuals on TV either ...WIN OR LOSE! 😍 but still keeping scores lol that's where respect was born! 😎
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