Aled de Malmanche pens two-year deal with French Top 14 outfit Stade Francais – Rugby update
New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) professional player, Aled de Malmanche, has signed a two-year deal with the French Top 14 outfit, Stade Francais. The French club has confirmed the signing of the former All Blacks hooker with
the Top 14 side on Friday, June 17.
The signing will add to the woes that NZRU is currently facing to stop the flight of players from New Zealand to European clubs, particularly the big money spending French clubs. Aled de Malmanche will strengthen the forwards
pack of the Stade Francais who are currently in the process of revamping their squad for next season’s campaign in both domestic and European competition.
Commenting on his decision to leave the New Zealand super rugby franchise Chiefs, Aled de Malmanche commented that he was forced to make the decision after the Chiefs’ new coach, Dave Rennie told him he was not required at the
club. Former All Blacks hooker, de Malmanche said, “'Due to the unlikelihood of being contracted for the 2012 Chiefs season I have had to consider my options for continuing my rugby career.”
De Malmanche has praised the clubs facilities, fans support and managements support during his stay at the club. De Malmanche’s agent, Kent Hale, has released a detail statement from the hooker. The 26-year-old de Malmanche said, “'I am very passionate about
playing for the Chiefs and Waikato and am extremely proud to have been a part of these two special teams.”
Aled de Malmanche termed the decision to leave the Hamilton based franchise as one of the toughest decisions of his life. He further added, “I have loved representing the region I have grown up in and played all my rugby for.”
Aled de Malmanche has represented the Chiefs and Waikato in Super Rugby and Waikato in ITM Cup competitions respectively. He made his debut for Waikato in 2005 against the North Harbour and was part of the team that won the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup.
For Chiefs, Aled has played 59 games and scored 10 points since his debut against the Brumbies in 2007. Later in the same year, he was named in the New Zealand’s Maori team for 2007 Churchill Cup.
In 2009, Aled de Malmanche made his international debut for the All Blacks against the Italy at Christchurch. He made five international appearances for All Blacks and he last played an international game in June 2010.
In addition to Aled de Malmanche, Stade Francais has also signed the former All Blacks international Byron Kelleher from their French rivals Toulouse for next season’s campaign.
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