Things got a bit awkward as Andy Ellis started to get emotional.

When the halfback was listed for a media interview on Monday morning he was expected to ruminate on his 150th Super Rugby appearance for the Crusaders, a milestone he will share with Wyatt Crockett and Corey Flynn, against the Waratahs on Friday night.

Not a chance. That topic was buried following the shock announcement that Ellis, despite having another year on his contract with the Crusaders, will finish-up after this campaign.

As the microphones hovered under his chin and the questions began, the enormity of the decision - even though he had made his mind up earlier in the season - seemed to hit home for the 28-test All Black.

READ MORE:

* Andy Ellis plans to extend his career inJapan

* Crusaders' aborted Dunedin landing set tone for loss

* Crusaders prepare to take frustrations out on Waratahs

First his voice wavered. Then he joked about some dust in his eye. Finally the Crusaders communications manager asked if he would take a break to regather his thoughts.

That seemed to do the trick. Within a couple of seconds the Ellis declared himself ready to go and explained why he is going to sever his ties with a club he has represented since 2006.

Why? Because, he said, the timing was right. The 32-year-old wants to remove himself on his own terms, when he is still in good form.

"Age didn't come into it … I have seen both sides. I have seen guys who have stayed too long and stopped enjoying it as