France wing Damian Penaud will depart Clermont at the end of the season to join Top 14 rivals Bordeaux-Begles, it was announced on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old, who has been outstanding this year for both club and country, is a legend of Les Jaunards and will be sorely missed by their loyal supporters.
But the wing has decided it is time for a move and leaves to join UBB ahead of 2023/24, with Bordeaux getting a player who looks at the peak of his powers.
Contract runs until 2026
Penaud will join Bordeaux-Begles on a contract which runs until 2026 as he leaves Clermont, a team the evasive finisher joined back in 2014 at youth level.
He has scored 52 tries for Les Jaunards since making his senior debut in 2015 and became a fan favourite and admired across Europe for his silky running.
As mentioned, Penaud was in fine form for Les Bleus in 2022, as he scored eight tries in the calendar year, impressing with his ability to glide past defenders.
8 – Damian Penaud scored eight tries for @FranceRugby in 2022, more than any other player for a Tier 1 nation this year; he also recorded a 79% tackle evasion rate this calendar year, the best rate of any player to face 10+ tackles. Exceptionnel. pic.twitter.com/0CDoatS5kD
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) December 28, 2022
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He was part of the France side that won the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2022 and is set to be a pivotal player for Fabien Galthie in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Santiago Cordero to depart?
With Penaud’s pending arrival, Argentina international Santiago Cordero could leave Bordeaux-Begles, with his contract set to expire at the end of 2022/23.
There has also been ongoing rumours around the future of Bristol centre Semi Radradra, with a possible return to Bordeaux being rumoured in France’s press.
Radradra impressed for the Bears in Tuesday’s victory over Harlequins in the Premiership as the Fijian powerhouse continues his comeback from a knee injury.
Penaud and Radradra link-up?
A possible link-up with Penaud in UBB colours would certainly excite their fans as Bordeaux look to become a major player in the Top 14 and Champions Cup.
Bordeaux are currently seventh in the French league with a record of six wins, six defeats and a draw so far this campaign and have lost both European openers.