Chiefs co-captain Craig Clarke will head offshore at the conclusion of the 2013 Investec Super Rugby competition to continue his rugby career in Ireland.

The 29-year-old, who has played 57 games with the Chiefs, has signed with the Irish club Connacht for three seasons.

Chiefs co-captain Craig Clark will leave the side at the end of the 2013 Investec Super Rugby season.

'I was planning on leaving a few years ago but under the new management I was really enjoying it so I decided to stay.

'Then we won the competition, so I wanted to stick around and have a crack at defending the title.

'I've had some great highlights in New Zealand rugby including winning the Investec Super Rugby title and the Ranfurly Shield with Taranaki, but now it's time for my new wife and I to go on a bit of an adventure.”

Chiefs' coach Dave Rennie says 'Craig's impeccable standards on and off the field have helped raise the bar in this environment”.

'He is a passionate Chiefs man and was a massive part of the success we had last season. His leadership, his work ethic and his attention to detail have continued to impress me.

'We'll miss him, but it's a great opportunity for Craig and Veree and we wish them all the best.”

Craig Clarke is in his fifth season with the Chiefs, is a former Junior All Black and a finalist in the Steinlager Rugby Awards Super Rugby Player of the Year category in 2012.

He will not be available for ITM Cup this year for his provincial side Taranaki.

The Chiefs kick off their Investec Super Rugby campaign this Friday against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.