Ranger returning to France with La Rochelle

The 30-year-old, who can play in the centres or on the wing, has signed a two-year deal with the unfashionable outfit who caused a stir last season by topping the regular season table, before losing to Toulon in the play-off semifinals.

Ranger, also a sevens international, previously played for Montpellier from 2013-15 before returning home to New Zealand in a bid to revive his All Black career.

He played six test for New Zealand from 2010-13, scoring one try, but his return to the Blues failed to kick-start his international career.

During his previous Top 14 stint he scored seven tries in 38 matches for Montpellier.

Agence France-Presse