All Blacks duo Brad Thorn and Luke McAlister have both announced they will be playing their rugby overseas next season.

Crusaders lock Thorn has signed a contract to play in Japan after this year's World Cup while Blues second five eighth McAlister has signed a three-year contract with European champions Toulouse.

Thorn a key component of the All Blacks' engine room for 50 tests, has signed a two-year deal with Japanese club which takes effect from the end of the 2011 season.

McAlister is among four southern hemisphere players announced to join Toulouse's line up for the next season.

Luke Burgess and Timoci Matanavou pen a two-year contract.

McAlister will start from the reserve bench for the Blues against the Rebels tomorrow at 7.35pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Source: NZ Herald