The Highlanders have introduced that hooker Liam Coltman will depart the franchise at the finish of the season to signal for French aspect Lyon.
Coltman has turn into one among the staff’s nice gamers, making his debut for the ‘Landers in 2013 and remaining with the side for almost a decade.
Following the confirmation of Blues prop Karl Tu’inukuafe’s departure to Montpellier, the hooker has turn into the latest All Black to go abroad and transfer to the Top 14.
He joins ex-Highlander Lima Sopoaga at Lyon, a squad that additionally boasts former Chiefs centre Charlie Ngatai and back-row ahead Jordan Taufua, who used to ply his commerce with the Crusaders.
New adventures
“I feel the time is right for me and my family to have some new adventures and we are looking forward to spending time in another country and all the experiences and challenges that will bring. I will always be a Highlander at heart, no matter where I am,” Coltman mentioned.
The 32-year-old has been a constant performer for the Highlanders over the years and was rewarded for his type with a New Zealand debut in 2016.
Coltman would go on to earn eight caps for the All Blacks and was included in the squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“We like our players to be Highlander men and to demonstrate what that means on daily basis. Colty will always spring to my mind as a player that I would call a Highlander man,” head coach Tony Brown mentioned.
“Since day one and throughout his entire time with the club he has been the consummate professional.
“He prepares well every week and consistently delivers a 100% effort every time he takes the field. As a coach you can’t ask for more than that.
“Off the field young players need only look to him to see how you professionally manage a decade-plus rugby career. He has earned the respect of his fellow players, coaches, and everybody at this club for his approach and of course he does it all with a smile.”
CEO Roger Clark added: “Rain, hail or shine you could always count on Colty to have a smile on his face and be giving it everything in training or playing.
“To play for over 10 years in the front-row for one team is an extraordinary effort and as a club we recognise how fortunate we have been to have Colty for such a long period of time.
“As a club we acknowledge the significant positive contribution he has made and we wish him, his wife Aleisha and children Ruby and Tilly all the very best in France”.
READ MORE: Montpellier signal All Black prop Karl Tu’inukuafe
The article New Zealand: Liam Coltman the latest All Black to switch to the Top 14 appeared first on Planetrugby.com.