All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman to join Lyon

Highlanders have announced that All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman will be leaving the club at the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Having started his career with provincial side Otago in 2010, he made his Super Rugby debut with Highlanders in 2013 and has gone on to rack up 135 appearances for the club. He also featured in 73 games for Otago.

During his time with Highlanders, the 32-year-old went on to win a Super Rugby title in 2015 apart from a win over British and Irish Lions in 2017.

Coltman made his All Blacks debut in 2016 against Italy and has represented them in eight Tests with his last appearance coming during 2019 World Cup bronze final against Wales. He will now head to France after signing a two-year contract with Lyon.

“I have so many people to thank for the career I have had in Dunedin,” Coltman said in a statement released on Wednesday.

“The great coaches, great players and great mates will mean that I will always think of Dunedin as my rugby home. I never thought of the hard work I do as being a sacrifice in anyway, it’s what I chose to do and what I love doing.

“I never thought I would have all the wonderful opportunities in life that my rugby career has given me, and I am just so grateful to have had them.

“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.”