Read Close To Revealing His Post World Cup Plans

All Blacks looseforward and captain Kieran Read is close to revealing his post Rugby World Cup playings plans. 

The test centurion is tipped for a big money move to Japan with Toyota Verblitz, coached by former Springboks boss Jake White, understood to be frontrunners. Racing 92 seemed a possible destination at the end of last year, but talks look to have broken down. 

An announcement on Read's future could come sooner rather than later, he said on Thursday at a promotional event for the Black Clash T20 cricket match. 

"Very soon I think you'll get that answer. So hopefully in the next few weeks."

The No.8 is embarking on his final year in New Zealan but has been given an extended break and will miss the first month of Super Rugby for the two-time defending champion Crusaders.

Read is also expected to sit out a further two mandatory weeks for All Blacks later in the campaign as New Zealand Rugby seek to keep their leading players fresh for the World Cup in Japan.