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Ambitious ProD2 side Aix-en-Provence sign former France lock and a Wallaby
By Ian Cameron
ProD2 side Aix-en-Provence have shown their ambition this week by signing a former France second row and a one-time Wallaby.
The side have confirmed the signing of two internationals, who are both currently playing in the Top 14: Clermont Auvergne centre Clermont Peter Betham and Bordeaux second-row Alexandre Flanquart.
The pair have signed two-year deals.
Betham won two caps for the Wallabies back in 2013 before making his way from the Waratahs to Europe where he has starred for Leicester Tigers for two seasons in the Gallagher Premiership from 2015 and then on to Clermont Auvergne in the Top 14 in 2017.
The 32-year-old was originally born in Wellington New Zealand before moving at an early age to Sydney where his rugby union career blossomed.
Flanquart, who stands 6 feet 9 inches tall, will join Aix-en-Provence from high flying Bordeaux Begles. The towering lock enjoyed a spell with the French national team that saw him amass 22 caps.
The pair will join the club, who currently sit in 13th on the ProD2 table, in July.
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Latest Comments
Mzil, I only recently learned Hodgman was only 31 myself, so you’re certainly not alone there!
Canham is a good shout, and he’s coming along nicely in new colours - as is Darcy Swain for that matter.
Whether Gleeson and Hooper feature this year, without a return date confirmed (despite best intentions) remains to be seen. Different to Ikitau, in that we know he’ll return after the Exeter stint and for how long.
And Tizzano will certainly be there. I didn’t need to include him here, but he’s just no longer a fringe player!
Go to commentsYep. The general game is without any rock star 10’s at the moment. Albornoz and N’tamack are about the only test 10s now that have something. Albornoz is probably the only one who even carries to the line these days.
I think D’Mac is a gifted player but a natural 15. It doesn’t really mater now. They just need to stick with him as any player will improve in their position with a run of games in that coaching environment. A steady 7/10 can be enough.
I know he’s divisive amongst Kiwis but he returned from an ACL at 23/24 yrs which takes a lot. He’s got my full respect for that.
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