The French rugby landscape is bracing for a seismic shift as Clermont gears up for a major squad overhaul, aiming to infuse fresh blood into their ranks with talents like Etene Nanai-Seturo, a standout Chiefs winger and former New Zealand Sevens star. This recruitment frenzy follows hot on the heels of their recent acquisitions, including Wallabies lock Darcy Swain and Blues utility back AJ Lam, both inked for three-year stints.
Nanai-Seturo, linked with a move to Clermont after an impressive season at Super Rugby Pacific, could soon find himself filling the boots of departing players like the seasoned All Blacks centre George Moala. This potential transfer highlights the ongoing exodus of New Zealand talent, with players seeking greener pastures in European leagues.
Meanwhile, an Australian trio comprising Rob Simmons, Irae Simone, and Alex Newsome, alongside French backs Pierre Fouyssac and Lucas Tauzin, are on their way out, with their contracts set to expire in July. This mass departure is part of Clermont’s strategy to revamp and inject new dynamism into their squad.
"They're building something great, and I can't wait to add to it. I'm really looking forward to working hard with this group and making our fans proud,"
said Pouri Raketi-Stones, a Hurricanes prop who recently signed with Newcastle Red Bulls. His move is another example of the growing trend of Southern Hemisphere players moving to European clubs, with Raketi-Stones also eyeing a potential spot in the England squad due to his eligibility.
Back in Clermont, the club has ensured some continuity by securing a two-year extension with Alivereti Raka, a prolific try-scorer. Raka, who joined the club in 2015, is on the verge of becoming Clermont’s all-time leading try scorer, a testament to his enduring impact on the field.
As Clermont prepares for the next season, they have retained and signed several key players, including Baptiste Jauneau, Barnabé Massa, and Giorgi Akhaladze, among others, signaling their intentions to remain competitive in the Top 14 and beyond.
This ongoing shuffle not only underscores the global nature of rugby transfers but also highlights the strategic shifts clubs undergo to stay at the pinnacle of European rugby. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on these players and their ability to adapt and thrive in their new settings.
2,193 posts
The French rugby landscape is bracing for a seismic shift as Clermont gears up for a major squad overhaul, aiming to infuse fresh blood into their ranks with talents like Etene Nanai-Seturo, a standout Chiefs winger and former New Zealand Sevens star. This recruitment frenzy follows hot on the heels of their recent acquisitions, including Wallabies lock Darcy Swain and Blues utility back AJ Lam, both inked for three-year stints.
Nanai-Seturo, linked with a move to Clermont after an impressive season at Super Rugby Pacific, could soon find himself filling the boots of departing players like the seasoned All Blacks centre George Moala. This potential transfer highlights the ongoing exodus of New Zealand talent, with players seeking greener pastures in European leagues.
Meanwhile, an Australian trio comprising Rob Simmons, Irae Simone, and Alex Newsome, alongside French backs Pierre Fouyssac and Lucas Tauzin, are on their way out, with their contracts set to expire in July. This mass departure is part of Clermont’s strategy to revamp and inject new dynamism into their squad.
"They're building something great, and I can't wait to add to it. I'm really looking forward to working hard with this group and making our fans proud,"
said Pouri Raketi-Stones, a Hurricanes prop who recently signed with Newcastle Red Bulls. His move is another example of the growing trend of Southern Hemisphere players moving to European clubs, with Raketi-Stones also eyeing a potential spot in the England squad due to his eligibility.Back in Clermont, the club has ensured some continuity by securing a two-year extension with Alivereti Raka, a prolific try-scorer. Raka, who joined the club in 2015, is on the verge of becoming Clermont’s all-time leading try scorer, a testament to his enduring impact on the field.
As Clermont prepares for the next season, they have retained and signed several key players, including Baptiste Jauneau, Barnabé Massa, and Giorgi Akhaladze, among others, signaling their intentions to remain competitive in the Top 14 and beyond.
This ongoing shuffle not only underscores the global nature of rugby transfers but also highlights the strategic shifts clubs undergo to stay at the pinnacle of European rugby. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on these players and their ability to adapt and thrive in their new settings.