Two-test All Black Pita Gus Sowakula will leave New Zealand next year to join French club Clermont.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The top 14 team confirmed on Tuesday (NZ time) they had signed the Chiefs loose-forward on a two-year deal, with an option for a third year.
Sowakula will play in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition and in the NPC for Taranaki, either heading to France then or after the World Cup if he is selected in the New Zealand squad.
The 28-year-old's decision to head overseas to play comes after his puzzling demotion from the All Blacks.
On the back of a standout Super Rugby season, Sowakula bolted into the team for the series against Ireland in July, playing two matches.
However, the Fijian-born loosie then missed selection for not only the All Blacks end-of-year tour squad but also the All Blacks XV squad that played two matches in Europe.
News of Sowakula's signing with Clermont came as the French side also announced his partner, 27-test Black Fern Toko Natua, will join their women's team.
Sowakula will join fellow All Blacks George Bridge and Karl Tu'inukuafe, who signed with Montpellier this year, in the Top 14 competition.
- RNZ