All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina heading for Toulouse
Wednesday 28 December 2016 12:18, UK
New Zealand prop Charlie Faumuina has agreed to join Toulouse for the next European season in 2017.
The 30-year-old has played 46 times for the All Blacks, having also represented Super Rugby team Auckland Blues since 2009.
He will still compete in next year's Super Rugby competition before heading to the northern hemisphere in time for the French season.
Faumuina, who collected his first international cap in 2012, said leaving his homeland had been a difficult decision to make but is excited by the opportunity in Europe.
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"I would just like to thank New Zealand Rugby, the Blues and Auckland Rugby, for everything they have done for me throughout my career," Faumuina said.
"I'm looking forward to my last season in New Zealand, making it a successful one with the Blues and hopefully getting the chance to play for the All Blacks."
Faumuina was a member of the New Zealand squad which retained the 2015 World Cup, during which he came on as a second half replacement in the final against Australia at Twickenham.
Toulouse, the four-time European champions, are currently fourth in the Top 14 table.
