Veteran All Blacks hooker Keven Mealamu will hang up his boots at the end of the year.

The 36-year-old, who played his 126th Test in the Bledisloe Cup defeat of Australia in Auckland this month, will become NZ Rugby ambassador.

New Zealand’s second most capped player after Richie McCaw, will focus on Auckland rugby for two years, NZ Rugby boss Steve Tew said.

He will promote community, educational and social responsibility initiatives.

“While there’s a little bit more I want to achieve this year before I hang up my boots, it’s cool to know that I am going to be still involved in rugby in this new role.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the game which I love and which has given me so much,” Mealamu said.

He made his Test debut as a 23-year-old against Wales in 2002 and has also captained his country on three occasions including at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Mealamu is expected to be named in the All Blacks squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup when it is announced on Sunday.