You are in > manchester.com  > News > King sets sail for Clermont

Rugby Union

King sets sail for Clermont

02/07/2007

Wasps fly-half Alex King has opted to see out his playing career with a move to French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne.

The 32-year-old's contract with the Heineken Cup winners had expired and he has negotiated a one-year deal with Clermont, who defeated Bath for the European Challenge this year.

"Clermont is a very ambitious club. It's important for me to go to a team that is motivated because I still have lots to learn and to give," King said.

King is the third high-profile import by Clermont who have also tempted Springbok skipper John Smit and his international colleague Marius Joubert to try their hand at European club rugby from next year.

As well as providing a lucrative swansong, King is confident that the move will also equip him better to continue a career in the sport after he sets his boots aside.

"When the offer came in from France, I could see that it would be a fantastic opportunity to gain some new experiences and hopefully see things from different perspectives, things which will be especially important to me as I do plan to pursue a career in coaching once I've retired," King added.

A reunion with Wasps – where he spent 11 seasons making 269 appearances – could also be on the cards according to the club's director of coaching Ian McGeechan.

"I believe he will continue to be a very important part of the club in the future, and to that end we have plans to develop a coaching position for him at Wasps when he reaches the end of his playing days," he said.

© Adfero Ltd