Saracens bag All Black Jack

Chris Jack will quit New Zealand to join Saracens after the World Cup.

The 28-year-old has won 58 caps for the All Blacks so far, but said that he wanted himself and his family to experience a different way of life after the World Cup in France.

Saracens are the beneficiaries of Jack's decision, and they will have the huge boost of adding Jack to their squad next season after the World Cup. Jack has agreed on a deal to keep him at Vicarage Road until 2010.

Jack has played 87 times for Super 14 side Canterbury Crusaders since making his debut back in 1999, and he told their website of his decision.

"Finishing after the Rugby World Cup and heading over to England will give us the opportunity to experience something different, both in a rugby sense, but also in lifestyle," Jack said in a statement on the Crusaders website.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans admitted that Jack would be a huge loss to the club, but said he did not begrudged him his move.

"His record speaks for itself," said Deans. "He is going to be a huge loss, both for the Crusaders and for New Zealand rugby in general.

"The quality and length of his service has been such that no one could begrudge he and (wife) Kym their opportunity to head off and see the world."

Sarries boss Alan Gaffney was delighted to have signed a truly world-class player in Jack, who is regarded as one of the best in his position.

"We have signed a world-class player in the prime of his career," said Gaffney.

"Chris is one of the best players in his position in the world and is an integral part of the All Blacks side which has led the way in world rugby in recent seasons. He is an outstanding player."

Canterbury may well suffer a double blow as Jack's fellow All Black Rico Gear has admitted that he will probably leave the club after the World Cup to move to the Northern Hemisphere.