Chiefs and Bay of Plenty Steamers stalwart Tanerau Latimer is the latest Kiwi heading offshore after the Super Rugby season, signing with Japanese Rugby club Toshiba Brave Lupus.

Announced on the Japanese club's website earlier this month, Latimer will miss the Steamers upcoming ITM Cup campaign and instead join his new side after the Super Rugby competition.

Tanerau Latimer looks to step back inside Crusaders flanker Matt Todd. Photo: Tracy Hardy

The 28-year-old, who debuted with the side in 2005, will leave with 65 caps in the Steamers jersey.

In a statement on the club's site, Latimer says playing for a side in another country is an opportunity he could not resist.

The side has won the Japanese Top league four times and has the likes of former Chiefs teammate Richard Kahui and Melbourne Rebel Cooper Vuna on their books.

'I am looking forward to being able to join the Toshiba Brave Lupus because it is one of the strongest teams in Japan, I will do my best to make it stronger,” says Latimer.

'I am very happy that I had an opportunity like this."

During his New Zealand professional rugby career the softly spoken Te Puke player has paved an impressive 100 games for the Chiefs franchise.

Against the Stormers this season, Latimer became the franchise's second Centurion alongside close friend Liam Messam after debuting for the Crusaders back in 2006 against the Bulls and returning to the Chiefs in 2007.

Latimer has been a mainstay in the Chiefs makeup and pivotal in his rotational role with Sam Cane in the past few seasons as the Chiefs marched towards back-to-back Super Rugby titles.

He also lays claim to playing for the New Zealand Sevens team as a 17-year-old, winning five All Black caps and has captained the New Zealand Maori team.

Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Kevin Schuler says 'Lats” will be remembered as a 'phenomenal servant” to the Bay of Plenty, in both how he plays and his experience and guidance for younger players.

Having played top flight rugby since he was 17, Schuler believes Latimer has certainly earned a sabbatical but he is keeping the door open for future Steamers appearances.

'I think the last couple of years he's been great for the young boys and with the Super Rugby getting longer and bigger he probably realised it has taken a bit more of a toll on his body,” says Schuler.

'He's still young and will head overseas for a few years and hopefully we can get him back to clock up his century in a few years' time.”