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All Blacks hooker Coltman heading to France - reports
By Ian Cameron
All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman looks to be on his way to France – according to reports this weekend.
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Coltman has been linked with a move to the well-financed Lyon – who are set to lose two hookers this summer.
Veteran No.2 Mickael Ivaldi will leave for Paris, while US Eagle and former Worcester Warriors hooker Joe Taufete’e is set to return to the United States.
That has left LOU Rugby badly in need of a quality import in the position and Coltman looks like he is the man to fit the bill.
According to reports in RMC Sport, the 32-year-old has given his informal agreement to Lyon, who currently sit seventh in the Top 14. The Highlanders hooker – who won eight caps for the All Blacks – is expected to bring experience and a hard edge to the pack.
Coltman’s current contract with the Highlanders comes to an end this year.
Described by former All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen as the ‘ultimate team man’, ‘Colty’consistency and form at Super Rugby level saw him earn his first All Blacks Test cap in 2016.
He hasn’t played for the All Blacks since 2019, but clearly still has enough fire in his belly to top up his pension pot with a sojourn to France.
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In 2019, former Highlanders Head Coach Aaron Mauger said Coltman was a joy to coach: “Liam is a great example of a guy who does not require too much pushing. He is internally driven and our influence around that is pretty minimal. He sets high standards for himself and is a true professional.”
