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The long rumoured move of All Black prop John Afoa from Gloucester to Championship leaders Bristol is a ‘done deal’ RugbyPass has learned.
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While the move is yet to be officially revealed, a source has told RugbyPass it will go ahead following not so secret talks with the club.
Before Christmas Gloucester head coach Johan Ackermann was asked if there was any truth behind the rumours.
“There’s a big possibility, he’s busy talking to Bristol and Bristol is talking with him, ” said Ackermann.
“We’re obviously aware of that and we’ll see how that goes.”
Credit: Gloucester RugbyTV
It now appears to be a done deal that will see Afoa make the short trip south-west to Bristol for the 2018/19 season.
Currently, Afoa is on a reputed £500k a year deal at Gloucester, the move will likely be a retirement fund for the 36 times capped All Black.
Thirty-four is not particularly old for a prop and Bristol could potentially get a few years out of the ex-Auckland Blues and Ulster man.
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While it looks certain that Bristol will gain promotion this season, they won’t be content just surviving in the Premiership next season, and will be looking to become a force to be reckoned with.
Afoa was part of a RugbyPass article back in November where we outlined a potential Bristol XV that could more than survive next season’s Premiership.
Credit: RugbyDump
In 2005 Afoa was selected for the All Blacks Tri-nations squad.
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Despite this, he never took to the field in that competition and didn’t earn his first test cap until the end-of-year tour.
Afoa finally became the All Black number 1062 when he started against Ireland at Lansdowne Road.
In 2010, Afoa scored his first test try showing some great running for a prop with a 30-meter dash to the try line.
Afoa’s test career would come to an end after lifting the 2011 Rugby World Cup, having played 36 tests, with 30 coming as a substitute.
