John Afoa to continue his career in France

Former All Black prop John Afoa is set to continue his career in France next season.

Afoa will leave the Bristol Bears at the end of the season to join PROD2 side Vannes.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand turns 39 this October and has been operating in a player-coach role for Bristol this season.

A fan favourite at Bristol since his arrival from Gloucester in 2018, Afoa has represented the Club over 70 times.

He started his career with Auckland in 2002 and went on to play for the Blues in Super Rugby where played over 100 Super Rugby matches.

He represented the All Blacks 38 times and helped the side lift the Rugby World Cup in his final year in New Zealand, 2011.

A move to Ulster followed after the World Cup before he joined Gloucester on a four-year deal. 

"I am excited by this challenge and enthusiastic about the idea of playing for a new staff and learning a new style of rugby." Afoa told Vannes' official website ahead of his move.

"I can't wait to face all these young players in the Pro D2 championship and bring all my experience to my teammates and thus help Rugby Club Vannes achieve its goals."

"I have always wanted to come and live in France, learn and discover this culture. I can't wait to start this new chapter of my career."

Fellow Bristol Bear Alapati Leiua will be joining Afoa at Vannes next season with the Samoan international signing until 2024 with the Club.

Vannes currently sit 12th overall on the PROD2 log after a disappointing campaign. The French Club narrowly lost out on promotion to the Top 14 last season and will be looking to force their way back into the reckoning with their new signings.