French Top 14 outfit Biarritz signs England Sevens utility back Daniel Caprice for two years
French professional rugby union club, Biarritz Olympique Pays Basque, has confirmed the signing of England Sevens’ utility back Daniel Caprice to a two-year deal. The club officials confirmed the signing of the versatile winger and fullback Caprice on Thursday,
June 23.
Biarritz participates in the French Top 14 and in the Heineken Cup. Biarritz finished fifth at the end of the 2010/11 Top 14 season with 15 wins coming from their 26 games in the campaign and secured 72 points.
The 21-year-old Caprice started his rugby career for senior club Saracens in 2005. In 2009, he left the Sarries to join Blackheath. Later, he became one of the first players to be handed a central contract by the England Sevens’ team.
Kent born Caprice’s impressive performance in 16 HSBC Sevens World Series tournaments has brought him to the limelight. His exceptional performance in the tournament had caught the eyes of different European clubs.
Caprice has expressed his excitement over the securing a contract with the French club. He said, “I'm pretty excited about the move and really looking forward to it.” He also termed the decision to join French club as one of the hardest decision of his life.
Caprice has praised the training, development and the coaching staff facilities available at the Biarritz. He said, “The coaching staff are brilliant and I was blown away by the place when I went over there.”
Caprice should not feel lonely at his new club, particularly as some English players’ including fullback Iain Balshaw and flanker Magnus Lund are currently playing in the French Top 14 side. Commenting on playing at the club, Caprice said, “They're one of
the top teams in Europe and you only have to look at the players there to see that the chance to train day-in, day-out with them is great.”
England Sevens coach Ben Ryan has praised and supported Caprice’s move to the Biarritz and expressed his best wishes to the utility back. He said, “Dan is a great example of a sevens player going on to be noticed by a top European team.”
Ryan further added, “In a short space of time with us he's gone from being an academy player to a world class sevens player .We wish him every success with the next stage of his career and he's developed really well during the time he's spent with England
Sevens.”
Caprice will be looking forward to follow in the footsteps of former IRB World Sevens Player of the Year Ollie Phillips. Phillips is currently with Stade Francais and has delivered some sensational performances in the last two seasons.
Additionally, Biarritz has also signed the Fiji Sevens captain, Seremaia Burotu, in order to strengthen their squad for next season.
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