Rugby: Lauaki joins French club - report

Chiefs loose forward Sione Lauaki has reportedly signed a one-year deal with French club Clermont Auvergne. Photo / Rotorua Daily Post

Troubled Chiefs rugby loose forward Sione Lauaki has signed for French club Clermont Auvergne, it was reported today.

The 17-test All Black, 28, has signed a one-year deal with the powerful club, coached by New Zealander Vern Cotter, with the option of a second season.

He is due to join the French Top-14 semifinalists in July, the report said.

"He's a player that we've been following for a long time," Clermont director of sport Jean Marc Lhermet was quoted as saying on the Planet Rugby website.

"He wants to revive his career in France, and it is a great opportunity for the club to sign a player of the kind of calibre we are looking for.

"He'll boost our squad with penetrating runs and power. We're very happy to have such a player. He's had a remarkable Super 14 season."

The last of Lauaki's 17 tests was against Samoa in 2008.

The 1.94m, 115kg powerhouse had a forgettable 2010 off the field.

He was charged this week with careless driving after his car left the road and crashed through a fence north of Huntly three weeks ago after he fell asleep at the wheel.

Tests showed that Lauaki had been drinking, but he was well below the legal alcohol limit.

He will reappear in Hamilton District Court on June 24, having pleaded guilty to a charge of assault in March after an incident in a bar.

Lauaki was remanded after his lawyer applied for discharge without conviction, saying his client had received an offer to play overseas.

- NZPA