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Castres announce Masoe arrival

Tuesday 22nd July 2008

Chris Masoe: Heading to France

All Black flanker Chris Masoe appears to have given up the chase for the black jersey after Richie McCaw's recovery from injury, with Top 14 side Castres announcing his signature on Tuesday.

Samoan-born Masoe will join Castres on November 1, and stay for two seasons in the Tarn region. He is Castres' final recruit for the season, and had made an agreement to sign before the closure of the French transfer window a week ago.

"We have been in contact with Chris for more than two months," said Castres President Pierre-Yves Revol.

"Had he not been called to the All Black squad as cover for Richie McCaw, he would have joined us in July.

"I think his arrival brings a lot of potential to our back row. We also know we have brought a leading player, with great consistency, and who can acclimatise quickly to our environment."

And Masoe was quick to negate that his move was in tandem with being left out of the Tri-Nations line-up in an act of bitterness.

"I definitely wouldn't say that," he said, speaking to The Dominion Post.

"The All Blacks selectors do what they think is best for the team. [But] I do feel like I've still got a point to prove before I go overseas and I am disappointed that I'm leaving New Zealand rugby because it has been an honour to play for the All Blacks."