Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot is the latest New Zealand player to hone his craft overseas, inking a deal with French club US Oyonnax.
The club announced on Thursday that they had signed the four-test All Black to a two-year deal, beginning in the French 2017/18 season.
Elliot joins a number of Chiefs heading overseas after this season, with halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Toulon), first five-eighth Aaron Cruden (Montpellier) and wing James Lowe (Leinster) also taking their talents abroad.
The 31-year-old has been the Chiefs' starting hooker this season, however, with Nathan Harris' return not far off he might find himself moving to a bench role.
Elliot will leave New Zealand with vast experience, having played 125 Super Rugby matches for the Hurricanes and Chiefs, as well as nine tests for the Maori All Blacks to go with his four for the All Blacks.
US Oyonnax earned promotion to the Top 14 competition in France at the end of last season, winning the second division competition.
Photo by: Bruce Lim/ Photosport.nz (Chiefs hooker Hika Elliot has signed with french club US Oyonnax).