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Clermont sign All Black to replace Sivivatu

ESPN Staff

Clermont are the favourites to sign Zac Guildford © Getty Images Enlarge

Clermont Auvergne have reportedly agreed a two-year deal for All Blacks winger Zac Guildford.

According to L'Equipe, Guildford, who has 10 caps for New Zealand, will arrive at the club ahead of next season and will step into the shoes left by Sitiveni Sivivatu who is off to Castres.

Guildford, who will play for the Crusaders in 2014, has a year to run on his deal with Hawke's Bay but has an exit clause in his contract which would permit him to join Les Jaunards. And Hawke's Bay CEO Mike Bishop has previously said his team could not compete with an offer from Clermont.

"The only way we can do that is if we win Lotto," Bishop said. "In many ways New Zealand rugby can't compete. It is just the chance of representing the All Blacks that keeps many players in this country."

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