2017 will be Hika Elliot's last season in New Zealand rugby after signing on with French club Oyonnax, the club announced Thursday.

Making 125 Super Rugby appearances for the Hurricanes and the Chiefs as well as playing nine times for the Maori All Blacks, the hooker will leave New Zealand with a host of experience.



Elliot also played four Tests for the All Blacks in between 2010 and 2015.

The 31-year-old has been the Chiefs' starting hooker this season but could face the rest of the season starting from the bench with the return of Nathan Harris.