Kieran Reid

Read signs off in style

Read was instrumental in helping his side produce a clinical 19-3 victory over the Jaguares in Christchurch to complete a "three-peat" and win their 10th Super Rugby title.

The 33-year-old is heading to Japanese club Toyota after the Rugby World Cup this year and he left Christchurch content with the end to his Super Rugby career that began in 2007.

"It's given me everything," Read said of what the Crusaders meant to him in a televised interview. "I love this place.

Kieran Read back with the Crusaders

Read had surgery on his spine in December and is unlikely to be available until after the June international window.

His last game was for the All Blacks against Scotland in November and pain in his leg led to him having surgery.

The Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara says it was great to see Read back with the side.