Rugby-New Zealander Caleb Ralph heads to Japan

WELLINGTON, May 6 (Reuters) - Canterbury Crusaders and former All Black winger Caleb Ralph joined the exodus of players from New Zealand rugby when he announced on Tuesday that he was heading to Japan at the end of the season.

Ralph, 30, has signed a two-year contract with Japanese club Sanix, which he will join at the end of this year's Super 14 competition.

New Zealand Rugby Union general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen said Ralph had been a loyal and dedicated servant of the game.

"Caleb has had a long and distinguished career in New Zealand and has made a significant contribution to the game from age grades through to the All Blacks," Sorensen said.

Ralph played 14 tests for the All Blacks between 1998 and 2003, scoring nine tries. His career has also included brief stints with the Waikato Chiefs and the Auckland Blues.

Ralph is the second New Zealand player to announce their departure in two days. Flyhalf Nick Evans said on Monday he was joining London club Harlequins.

They join a host of New Zealanders already playing overseas or planning to at the end of the season, including Auckland back Isa Nacewa, and All Blacks Doug Howlett, Byron Kelleher, Anton Oliver and Carl Hayman. (Reporting by Gyles Beckford)