All Blacks prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi joins Clermont

All Blacks prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi joins Clermont on a three-month injury-cover contract to strengthen their front row in the French Top 14.
All Blacks prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi joins Clermont on a three-month injury-cover contract to strengthen their front row in the French Top 14.
©PA

All Blacks prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi has signed a three-month contract with French Top 14 club Clermont as injury cover.

The 34-year-old New Zealand international arrives to strengthen the club's front-row options following injuries and international call-ups affecting several players.

Ofa Tu'ungafasi Signs Short-Term Clermont Contract

Tu'ungafasi, who can operate at both loosehead and tighthead prop, brings considerable international experience to the French side.

The experienced forward has earned 68 Test caps for New Zealand, with his most recent international appearance coming in November 2024. He also represented the Blues during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

His short-term agreement with Clermont will run until the end of January 2027, providing additional front-row cover during a challenging period for the club.

Clermont Strengthen Front Row Amid Injury Problems

Clermont are without injured front-rowers Cristian Ojovan and Sacha Lotrian, while Régis Montagne has also is sidelined.

Head coach Christophe Urios welcomed Tu'ungafasi's arrival, describing the opportunity to recruit an experienced international prop as particularly valuable given the team's current circumstances.

This is a fantastic opportunity that we’ve seized,” Urios said in a club statement.

“At a time when we’re having quite a few issues in the front row, the chance to bring him to France for a few months is a win for everyone.

“We can only be delighted that he’s joining us.”