Cardiff Blues centre Casey Laulala will join Irish province Munster on a two-year deal at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old New Zealander played Super 14 rugby with the Crusaders before moving to Cardiff, making his debut against Connacht in December 2009.

Laulala, who to date has made 58 appearances for Cardiff Blues, scoring 14 tries, said Thursday: "I've enjoyed myself very, very much here at the Blues and was fortunate enough to win the Amlin (European) Challenge Cup with the Blues in my first season here.

"The support that we had that day was immense and it was definitely one of my highlights, not only playing in the UK, but over my whole career.

"We were big underdogs as it was like a home game for (French club) Toulon, so it was a great day.

"I'd like to thank all my team mates for welcoming in me into the squad and for their friendship over the last couple of years.

"My family settled in well and my daughter is at a very good school, but I guess this is a fresh challenge for me.

"It's something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff.

"However, there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season so I am still fully focused on doing well for the Blues."

Cardiff's traditional base is the Arms Park, which adjoins the Millennium Stadium, but the Blues now play the bulk of their home matches across town at the new Cardiff City Stadium, home of the Welsh capital's football club.

However, Friday sees them back at 'headquarters' and Laulala said: "I've always wanted to play at the Arms Park, so my wish will be realised on Friday against Connacht (in the Celtic League). Hopefully I don't disappoint.

"There's a lot of history there and a lot of boys have an attachment to the ground so it will be nice to be a part of that."