The long-awaited recruit from Claremont has finally arrived!

PC (New Zealand Club Championship) which won last Saturday over the Hawke’s Bay Club (22 to 19) arrived this afternoon in Auvergne. Starting this week, he will gradually integrate the Auvergne group so that he can be up and running as soon as possible.

The stalwart in black (2 matches), who will celebrate his 29th birthday in a few days, has enjoyed a very brief spell in his club’s title since departing New Zealand’s North Island, on the Sunday the day after his NPC victory. Peta Gosse joined the Auvergne on Monday, with Aurélien Ruggeri, Didier Ritier and Christophe Aureus welcoming him to the club.

It is highly expected that it will gradually integrate the Jaune et Bleu collection with an “adapted” start to the long journey.

The former Chiefs resident (69 caps for the New Zealand province in Super Rugby) is the sixth player from this North Island province after Sione Luaki, Sitifini Sivivatou, Tim Nanai-Williams, Fritz Lie and Hosia Gere to wear the ASM Clermont Auvergne colours.

Beta Gus Sawakula was captivated by his joy. Extracts:

“I came here to discover a new style of rugby. The infrastructure is incredible. Every player I know has encouraged me to have the experience that awaits me. I know that French rugby is a very physical and very difficult sport. I can’t wait to find out. I also know that the Clermont supporters are exceptional. I’ve watched videos of the stadium on match days and all I want to do is be in that stadium.