Rugby: Rokocoko signs with French club

Joe Rokocoko. Photo / Getty Images

Winger Joe Rokocoko will join fellow All Black Neemia Tialata at French Top 14 rugby club Bayonne after the World Cup later this year.

Bayonne said today that the 27-year-old Rokocoko had signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year.

The Blues winger, who has scored 46 tries in 68 matches for the All Blacks, joins the growing list of New Zealanders heading overseas after the World Cup.

Bayonne is reshuffling its squad, and recently signed All Blacks prop Neemia Tialata and former New Zealand backrower Sione Lauaki, as well as France winger Cedric Heymans.

Bayonne sports director Christian Gajan said Rokocoko is "a passionate guy who is not coming here on holidays".

"He is a young player with experience," he told the club's website.

"Joe has the advantage of being a wing who can also play at centre."

Rokocoko made his test debut in 2003 and scored a world record-equalling 17 tries in that international season. His 46 test tries are three shy of Doug Howlett's All Blacks record.

He has been a regular in New Zealand sides, although he faces stiff opposition to retain his spot in World Cup year.

- NZPA