Irae Simone is leaving Clermont, and France. According to Rugbyrama, the 30-year-old Australian centre has signed for the Green Rockets Tokatsu in Japan’s second division, after four seasons with ASM (2022-2026).

Brought to the Auvergne under Jono Gibbes and made captain by Christophe Urios, Simone had gradually slipped down the pecking order through injury and competition for places. His name was still being linked with French clubs, Brive among them, but the Australian has chosen Asia.

At the “green rockets” he will find a familiar face from the Top 14: Rory Arnold, the former Stade Toulousain lock, who has been at the club since last season, as well as Edward Annandale, a product of the Clermont academy.

With 17 appearances this season, Simone featured prominently in our best XV of out-of-contract players: he is the first starter in that side to find a new deal.