French side Vannes have confirmed the signing of Bristol fan favourite and former All Blacks prop John Afoa.
Afoa, who will be turning 39 in October, has become a Premiership legend during his eight year stint split between Gloucester and Bristol.
Between 2002 and 2011, he began his career and evolved within the Auckland Blues franchise. This same year 2011 he famously helped the All Blacks to win the second World Cup in their history by triumphing at home against France in the final.
Afoa said: “I am excited by this challenge and enthusiastic about the idea of playing for a new staff and learning a new style of rugby.
“I can’t wait to face all these young players in the Pro D2 championship and bring all my experience to my teammates and thus help Rugby Club Vannes achieve its goals.
“I have always wanted to come and live in France, to learn and discover this culture. I can’t wait to start this new chapter of my career.”