Zac Guildford has re-signed with the Crusaders, for another year.

Jamie Mackintosh of the Highlanders will be walking over to the Chiefs, having signed a 2-year deal.

However the news is not so good for the Melbourne Rebels, with news that Cooper Vuna was granted an early release from his Super Rugby contract, to go after the lure of the Yen.

It seems not only South African players are heading to Japan and New Zealand certainly has their fair share of players swopping teams!

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Zac Guildford:

Former Super Rugby champions the Crusaders have announced that All Black winger Zac Guildford has re-signed for another year.

Twenty-four-year-old Guildford has been with the Crusaders since 2010, and is set to play his 58th Super Rugby game this weekend against the Chiefs.

Prior to his elevation to the top tier of rugby, the winger has had an extensive representative career, being involved in the New Zealand Secondary schools, Under 19 and Under 20 squads, as well as winning the IRB Junior World Championships in 2008 and 2009.

Guildford was first selected for the All Blacks for the end of year tour in 2009 and was the youngest player in the squad. He has also represented New Zealand in Sevens, competing in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and winning the Gold Medal against Australia.

“I am excited to be extending my contract with the Crusaders for another year. I love playing for them. The Crusaders are like a family and they have been really supportive of me during my career. It is important to help repay that loyalty and I hope that I can do that on the paddock for them” Guildford said.

Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder is delighted with Guildford’s decision, “Zac is an important asset to the Crusaders. He has terrific speed, an impressive work rate and a knack for finding the gap. Despite his off-field issues he is a key part of the Crusaders family and we are delighted that he is staying with us.”

Guildford has also re-signed with the Hawke’s Bay magpies and will join the team in August for their ITM Cup campaign.

The Crusaders have also confirmed that fullback Israel Dagg is staying with the Super Rugby franchise until the end of his contract in 2014.

Jamie Mackintosh:

Current Super Rugby champions the Chiefs have signed former Highlanders captain and loosehead prop Jamie Mackintosh for two years.

Mackintosh has struggled for selection at the Highlanders since the arrival of All Black prop Tony Woodcock.

Chiefs’ coach Dave Rennie said, “Jamie is a crucial signing for us. He is a bloody good man and we are rapt to have him.

“Jamie is an experienced player and a strong leader. We know he will be a major contributor both on and off the field and we are looking forward to working with him.”

Mackintosh is excited by his new challenge. “My whole life I have been a real Southern man and to have the opportunity to work with a new group of guys, experience a new piece of New Zealand and learn about its people is very exciting.

“Loyalty is one of my strongest values, so it was a tough decision to leave a franchise that I have always called home.”

“I would like to thank the Highlanders for being a huge part of my life and I will always be very proud to have played for and captained them ” it was always a dream of mine growing up.

“In order for me to grow as a player I feel the time is right for me to have a change and I would like thank the Chiefs for showing faith in me and giving me this opportunity.”

The 1.93m, 130kg prop will move to Hamilton at the end of the year after his ITM Cup campaign with the Southland Stags.

The Southland captain has played 92 matches for the Southland Stags, 67 for the Highlanders and one test for the All Blacks.

Cooper Vuna:

The Melbourne Rebels have granted Cooper Vuna’s request for a release from his Super Rugby contract at the end of the season.

The former New Zealand Warriors and Newcastle Knights winger will leave the Club at the end of July to play for Japanese Rugby team, Toshiba.

Vuna will play his final match for the Rebels on Friday 12 July at AAMI PARK, with Melbourne Rebels Captain Gareth Delve, Ged Robinson and Richard Kingi also moving on to other challenges beyond this season.

Since his arrival in 2010, Vuna has played 33 Super Rugby matches, four in 2013, making his test debut for the Wallabies in 2012 against Wales in Brisbane.