Top 14 - Sale flanker White signs for Top 14
side Clermont Auvergne
08 January 2009
Sale and
Scotland flanker Jason White has signed a two-year deal to
join Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne.
The
30-year-old, who also represented the British and Irish
Lions in 2005, will join up with Les Jaunards at the end of
the season when his current contract with Sale expires.
“It has
always been an ambition of mine to play in France and I am
looking forward to moving to Clermont in the summer,” said
White.
“I want
to leave Sale on a high and am looking to help them win some
silverware before I leave,” he added.
The
former Scotland captain has been at Sale since joining from
Glasgow in 2003, playing more than a 100 games for the
Manchester club.
“I have
thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sale and have played with
some great players,” said the experienced back-row forward.
“The highlight of my time here is undoubtedly
the Guinness Premiership win in 2006, after topping the
table. I would like to thank the coaches Philippe
Saint-Andre and Kingsley Jones for everything they have done
for me.”
White is
the first of several Sale players expected to sign for
French clubs next season with Sebastien Chabal confirming he
would return to his homeland – possibly to Montpellier - and
ex-All Black Luke McAlister also eyeing a lucrative move
across the channel. Director of rugby Saint-Andre is another
heading to France, with struggling Toulon a possible
destination.
But Sale
head coach Jones said White departs with his best wishes.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Jason over the past five
years. He’s a model professional and always gives us 100%,”
he said.
“Jason will be missed but
he has a great opportunity in front of him and we wish him
well and thank him for his outstanding contribution as a
Sale Sharks player,” added Jones.
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