Clément Castets signs with Crusaders for Super Rugby Pacific

French tighthead prop Clément Castets has signed with the Crusaders to compete in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 30-year-old, a former Stade Toulousain and Stade Français player, joins the New Zealand franchise as a medical joker.

Castets will fill the vacancy created by All Black Tamaiti Williams, who is currently recovering from a serious back infection. The contract is specifically intended to cover Williams' absence and will conclude once the New Zealander is fit to return to competition.

Castets has been based in New Zealand since 2025. After a season with Hawke’s Bay in the national championship, where he played ten matches including a quarter-final appearance, he has secured a position with one of the most successful franchises in Super Rugby history.