All Blacks wing Sevu Reece will join French side Perpignan next season provided the Catalan club retains its place in the Top 14 club president Francois Riviere announced on Wednesday.
Perpignan are currently bottom of the Top 14, with just one point from 11 games, six points behind Montauban in the relegation playoff spot.
The 28-year-old, who has won 36 caps, is expected to sign a three-year contract.
Surprise announcement
With the All Blacks’ current policy of not selecting overseas-based players, the announcement comes as something of a surprise.
A three-year contract would exclude Reece from consideration for Rugby World Cup 2027 to be held in Australia.
Many All Blacks fans will no doubt be hoping Perpignan don’t avoid relegation this season and the deal falls through.
‘Exceptional signing’
“I am delighted with this exceptional signing, which proves that despite a difficult start to the season, Perpignan remains a remarkably attractive club both in sporting and geographical terms,” Riviere told AFP.
“And proof, if any were needed, of our relentless determination to stay in the Top 14.”
Sevu Reece currently plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, where he holds the record for tries scored with 66.
A veteran of the 2019 World Cup, he took part in the All Blacks’ last autumn tour, scoring two tries in the 52-26 win over Wales.
Domestic violence case
Reece previously committed to a European team in 2018 when he signed for the Irish province of Connacht.
However, the transfer was not finalised because Reece pleaded guilty in a domestic violence case, accused of assaulting his then-partner.
Despite the absence of a conviction, other than a fine, and despite his lawyer arguing that a heavy penalty could have meant the end of his sporting career, Connacht decided to terminate his contract.
