All Black signs up with Zebre

The Italian Pro12 outfit Zebre secured the services of All Black scrumhalf Brendon Leonard.

Leonard moves to Italy from the Super Rugby champion Chiefs.

Leonard will arrive in Parma this week and, after a medical check, will be available to start his training with Zebre next Tuesday, August 20.

He will join the rest of the squad to start the second part of the pre-season after the victorious tour of France.

Zebre Director of Rugby Roberto Manghi said the 28-year-old Leonard's experience will be invaluable.

"He will help our attack and will combine well with our young scrumhalves, as they continue their development," Manghi said.

"He is motivated to face this new challenge in his career - the type of new player that can make a difference."

Leonard said he made the move to Italy because it is time for a change.

"I've been in Waikato my whole life and, after seven years of Super Rugby, the time in my career has come to explore some new challenges in great European leagues like the Pro12 and European Cup," Leonard said.

"Zebre has got several internationals and I'm focused on being useful in the best possible way to my new club and teammates.

"I'm confident I'll have a positive impact and produced the kind of form that helped me play for the All Blacks."