Top 14 club Clermont have signed an All Blacks prop on a short-term deal to bolster their injury-hit front row.
The French side have secured the services of 68-cap New Zealand international Ofa Tuʻungafasi, who will join immediately on a three-month contract as a medical joker.
The 34-year-old has represented the All Blacks, Blues and Auckland during his career, making his provincial debut in 2012 before earning his first international cap four years later.
He went on to establish himself as a regular for New Zealand, featuring at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups and becoming an experienced member of the international squad.
Tuʻungafasi also enjoyed Super Rugby success in 2024 and will now take on his first domestic rugby experience outside New Zealand.
Clermont's decision comes with Cristian Ojovan, Régis Montagne and Sacha Lotrian all currently sidelined through injury, leaving the club short of options in the front row.
The recruitment comes amid a difficult start to the campaign for Clermont, who sit 10th in the Top 14 table with three victories from their opening eight matches.
Tuʻungafasi's last Test appearance came during the 2024 Autumn Nations Series, when he featured in New Zealand's victory over Italy. He had also come off the bench in their defeat to France the previous week.
The prop was subsequently called into the All Blacks squad for this summer's historic Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour against South Africa.
Clermont head coach Christophe Urios welcomed the signing, describing it as an opportunity the club had been keen to take.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity that we’ve seized,” said head coach Christophe Urios.
“Ofa played with Harry [Plummer] for many years at the Blues and told him last summer of his desire to experience playing in France in the Top 14.
Read also
"At a time when we have quite a few concerns in the front row, the opportunity to bring him to France for a few months is a win-win for everyone. Obviously, we can only be delighted with his arrival.
"He’s an extraordinary player, strong in the fundamentals but also, like all All Blacks, an excellent ball handler and a powerful ball carrier.
"In addition to the reinforcement he represents for the coming months, Ofa is very committed to mentoring and works extensively with young New Zealand props.
"He will be invaluable in this area as well, during his time in Auvergne, for all the players in the squad and the academy."
Pick Your England XV: You Be The Selector
Steve Borthwick has some huge decisions to make ahead of England's clash with Australia.
With injuries disrupting his plans, who would make your starting XV?
Have your say using our interactive England XV Selector below. Pick your team, compare your choices with other fans and share your starting line-up.
