Hoeft to play club rugby in France

Former All Black prop Carl Hoeft is to pursue his career in France. Hoeft's departure has been the topic of speculation for some time and was confirmed yesterday by the Otago union.

Hoeft, 30, played 30 tests from 1998 to 2003. He also played 75 matches for Otago and 98 Super 12 games for the Highlanders. He will join the Castres club on a two-year contract, linking up with former Otago team-mate Kees Meeuws.

He is due to depart after Otago's NPC seventh-round match against Taranaki on September 24.