Piutau confirms overseas contract

Wellington - Blues utility back Charles Piutau has confirmed he has signed a two-year contract with Irish side Ulster and will leave New Zealand in July 2016, though his Rugby World Cup hopes could now be in jeopardy.

Local media had reported earlier this week that Piutau had signed a two-year contract with the Belfast-based side, though neither New Zealand Rugby (NZR) nor the Blues had confirmed they had lost his services before the player did so on Thursday.

"I can confirm that I've signed a two-year deal with the Irish club Ulster," Piutau told reporters at the Blues' training on Thursday. "This decision has been extremely hard, a tough decision to make.