All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu will play his Super 15 rugby for the Blues next season after agreeing a one-year deal with the franchise today.

The 27-year-old, who was a second half replacement in New Zealand's 40-7 win over South Africa in a Tri-Nations test tonight, is the fourth All Black to leave the troubled Wellington-based franchise this year.

He said the decision to leave the Hurricanes, a team he had played 84 times for, was a tough one to make.

"It was a very tough decision, I'm pretty much a Wellingtonian through and through but obviously I've just made a few personal choices.

"It's more of an opportunity for myself, it's a new challenge. I've been here for seven, eight seasons now and I'm getting quite old so I thought ... a change of scenery would be good for myself," he said.

Weepu added that he was looking for something different ahead of a potential move abroad.

"A few more challenges before I maybe look offshore and set things up for myself."

Blues coach Pat Lam said Weepu's decision to move to the Blues is great news for the franchise.

"Piri's ability in both the nine and 10 jerseys as well as goal-kicking makes him a pretty special player. He is also a strong leader within a team and we're very much looking forward to him joining us."

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