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Another World Cup-winning All Black is on the verge of joining a Top 14 side for the new season, which kicks off on August 26, according to reports in the French media.
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Thirty-five-year-old former Highlander Adam Thomson, who was a replacement at the 2011 final at Eden Park, could be on the way to at La Rochelle according to respected rugby newspaper Midi-Olympique.
The twice-weekly publication reports the club on the Atlantic coast is looking for cover for Bleus’ flanker Kévin Gourdon. Under league rules, clubs can sign up to three so-called ‘additional players’ to fill gaps left when members of France coach Guy Novès’ elite squad of 45 are away on international duty.
The 29-cap Thomson – who left Dunedin in 2012 and had spells at Super Rugby sides Reds and Rebels, as well as Canon Eagles in Japan’s Top League – would team up with fellow New Zealanders Jason Eaton, 2011 World Cup team-mate Victor Vito, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, and Rene Ranger at Stade Marcel Deflandre, if the move goes ahead.
He would become La Rochelle’s 15th overseas player. The limit on non French-qualified players for Top 14 clubs – including additional players and medical jokers – is 16, though newly promoted Agen and Oyonnax can have 17 non French-qualified players.
Thomson’s resume had been doing the rounds at clubs in the French top flight for some time before La Rochelle became interested, Midi-Olympique says.
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