ARGENTINA’S PATRICIO ALBACETE completed his move to Racing 92 today as French Top 14 club confirmed their full array of incoming talent.
That list of course includes Tipperary man Donnacha Ryan and France winger Virimi Vakatawa – who originally joined Racing after his arrival from Fiji in 2010, but then moved to an FFR contract that tied him to play Sevens and 15-a-side for the national team.
35-year-old Albacete moves to the deposed Top 14 champions after 11 years with Toulouse and some speculation that his stint with the Barbarians in recent weeks would be his last act as a professional player.
Albacete will have familiar faces in the dressing room next season as former Toulouse team-mates Census Johnston, Vasil Kakovin, Baptiste Chouzenoux and Teddy Iribaren all join the Paris club.
Racing also announced a clutch of contract extensions involving Juan Imhoff, Maxime Machenaud, Bernard Le Roux and Teddy Thomas.
Further south, Clermont Auvergne legend Aurelien Rougerie will return for a 19th season.
The former France international turns 37 in September and has signed a one-year extension with the Top 14 champions, fresh from just their second French title in their history.
“It’s done. Roro has signed his new contract for the 2017-18 season, his 19th as a professional,” Clermont tweeted.
Rougerie started his career with Clermont in 1999 and won 76 France caps between 2001 and 2012. Clermont defeated Toulon 22-16 in the Top 14 final at the Stade de France on June 4, adding to their 2010 triumph.
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