Matt Sexton was originally scheduled to join Ulster this season from Canterbury but had a last minute change of heart. The reason is now evident. The Canterbury hooker has decided to hang up his boots. His final game will be for Canterbury in either the Air New Zealand National Provincial Championship semi-final against Auckland next Saturday, or the final a week later.

He made a formal statement to the New Zealand press to announce his decision, pointing out that he had achieved all he wanted to in the game. "I have a new job and a new baby. I've had a fantastic time playing rugby for Canterbury and now it's time for me to concentrate on other challenges in my life."

Sexton, 31, will start working at the New Zealand Academy of Sport as soon as his commitments with Canterbury in the NPC ends. He has played in 125 matches for Canterbury and scored 11 tries, while he appeared in 36 games for the Crusaders Super 12 team and scored one try.