CLERMONT AUVERGNE, LAST season’s beaten Heineken Cup finalists, have confirmed the signing of Zac Guildford on a three-year contract.
The six-times capped All Black will join the club at the conclusion of the 2014 Super Rugby competition, which would be in August if the Crusaders make it to the final. Clermont see Guildford as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Sitiveni Sivivatu.
The 24-year-old Kiwi has had a troubled time in his homeland in recent years, with several alcohol-related incidents seeing him fall out of international contention. With the likes of Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Frank Halai and Ben Smith now established ahead of him in the pecking order for the All Blacks, a move abroad had looked likely for Guildford.
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Clermont’s recent attempts to rejuvenate their aging squad ahead of next season continue with this transfer announcement, following as it does in the wake of the signatures of Jonathan Davies [25], Sébastian Vahaamahina [22], Fritz Lee [25] and John Ulugia [27].
The arrival of Zac Guildford is great news for our club. Having been well-regarded in New Zealand, he joins our club next season with the aim of living a new adventure and seeking new challenges. Zac is a fantastic player and we look forward to seeing his qualities standing out as part of the collective for several seasons.”
Guildford, who scored three tries in 14 Super Rugby starts last year for the Crusaders, tweeted a message expressing his own pleasure at concluding the transfer.
Guildford will have the demanding task of filling in for the loss of Sivivatu, who will move to Castres at the end of the season on a three-year contract. The 31-year-old remains an incredibly effective attacking player, capable of magic in any situation. Guildford is a different type of wide man, but offers dangerous contributions from the wing or fullback.
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Clermont swoop for All Blacks wing Zac Guildford
CLERMONT AUVERGNE, LAST season’s beaten Heineken Cup finalists, have confirmed the signing of Zac Guildford on a three-year contract.
The six-times capped All Black will join the club at the conclusion of the 2014 Super Rugby competition, which would be in August if the Crusaders make it to the final. Clermont see Guildford as the ideal replacement for the outgoing Sitiveni Sivivatu.
The 24-year-old Kiwi has had a troubled time in his homeland in recent years, with several alcohol-related incidents seeing him fall out of international contention. With the likes of Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Frank Halai and Ben Smith now established ahead of him in the pecking order for the All Blacks, a move abroad had looked likely for Guildford.
Clermont’s recent attempts to rejuvenate their aging squad ahead of next season continue with this transfer announcement, following as it does in the wake of the signatures of Jonathan Davies [25], Sébastian Vahaamahina [22], Fritz Lee [25] and John Ulugia [27].
The club’s sporting director, Jean-Marc Lhermot, was delighted to confirm the deal this morning.
Guildford, who scored three tries in 14 Super Rugby starts last year for the Crusaders, tweeted a message expressing his own pleasure at concluding the transfer.
Guildford will have the demanding task of filling in for the loss of Sivivatu, who will move to Castres at the end of the season on a three-year contract. The 31-year-old remains an incredibly effective attacking player, capable of magic in any situation. Guildford is a different type of wide man, but offers dangerous contributions from the wing or fullback.
Like rugby? Follow TheScore.ie’s dedicated Twitter account @rugby_ie >
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Clermont Top 14 Jonathan Davies Lhermet Sivivatu Transfer Zac Guildford