All Blacks star officially unveiled as a Montpellier player
TRANSFER NEWS: New Zealand loosehead prop Karl Tu’inukuafe has officially been unveiled as a Montpellier player.
The 29-year-old’s decision to head to France was known since May and the French club has now provided the details about his contract.
The powerhouse prop has joined Montpellier on a three-year deal.
Tu’inukuafe has made 28 All Blacks appearances, most recently in July’s third Test loss to Ireland.
He is unlikely to add to that, however, as his move from the Blues and outside New Zealand makes him ineligible for his country with the 2023 Rugby World Cup less than a year away.
“Montpellier confirm the arrival of the Kiwi prop Karl Tu’inukuafe as an additional player for the 2022/2023 season,” the southern outfit said.
“The All Black has signed a deal for three seasons keeping him at the club until 2025,” they added.
𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝑲𝒂𝒓𝒍 !
C’est désormais officiel : Karl Tu’inukuafe est montpelliérain ! Le pilier All Black intègre dès à présent l’effectif des Cistes jusqu’en 2025 !
ADVERTISEMENTPlus d’infos ➡️ https://t.co/OLOsNmVctt#TEAMMHR pic.twitter.com/7of51CTVvN
— Montpellier Rugby (@MHR_officiel) October 6, 2022
Tu’inukuafe played 23 games for Narbonne in France’s second-tier in 2015/2016 and will compete with the likes of France’s Enzo Forletta for the starting No.1 jersey at GGL Stadium.
The ex-North Harbour front-rower joined up with his new side on Sunday and could feature in this Saturday’s re-run of last season’s Top 14 final as Montpellier head to runners-up Castres.
