Chiefs fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo inks three-year French deal

Chiefs and All Blacks XV fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo has inked a new deal with French Top 14 club ASM Clermont Auvergne, joining the club at the end of this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The Chiefs outside-back joins a number of Kiwi players who have made the decision to leave offshore, including the likes of Hurricanes trio Pouri Rakete-Stones, Isaia Walker-Leawere, and Fehi Fineanganofo, while Blues loose-forwards Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu have also signed deals overseas.

Nanai-Seturo has made 67 appearances for the Chiefs since his debut back in 2019, while representing the All Blacks Sevens team at the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

ASM Clermont head coach Christophe Urios admitted that the club had been keeping an eye on Nanai Seturo for a number of seasons.

“He’s a player we’ve had our eye on for a while now, and we’re thrilled to see his commitment materialise for the coming seasons,” Urios said.

“Etene is a pure talent, a player capable of attacking space and bringing a lot of dynamism and speed to our backline. He’s a spectacular guy who can bring a thrill to the stadium, something our game needs.”

 

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The former Sevens flyer will be at the French club until the end of the 2029 season, signing a three-season deal with the current fourth-placed Top 14 side.

Clermont are four points off second place, and will look to jump third-place Montpellier next weekend when they face off in round 19.