Former All Black Charles Piutau is making the move from Ireland to reunite with a couple of his former colleagues, and in doing so will likely become the world's highest-paid rugby player.
The fullback has signed a two-year deal with English club Bristol for the 2018/19 season, where he'll join his former coach Pat Lam and long-time Blues and All Blacks teammate Steven Luatua at the newly-demoted second division side.
According to reports by The British Telegraph, the deal itself is worth £1 million (NZ$1.78million) per year.
Fellow New Zealander Dan Carter's rate at French side Racing 92, while currently higher at around $NZ1.94m, expires at the end of next season, which would leave Piutau at the top of the earners list.
The 25-year-old has had a prodigious stint at Ulster where he was a stand-out player last season, earning the player's player of the year award and earning a spot in the Pro12's team of the season.
Lam was effusive with his praise of the 16-Test All Black and was well aware what a coup the signing is for his team.
"I think it's massive. Charles [Piutau] is still international quality player who can play 13, wing or fullback," said Lam.
"Obviously I've worked with him before, and he's not only a superb rugby player but he's a great team man and he'll have a big impact here, on and off the field."
Piutau told the Telegraph of he was "blessed" to have been given the opportunity and was eager to confront the challenge of returning the club to the top flight of English rugby alongside his "best friend".
"If I am able to play a central role in delivering the vision that Pat has outlined for Bristol, then the challenge of playing for this club will be an achievement that I will be able to look back on, with immense pride," he said.
"Even more appealing, is the opportunity to do this along side my brother Siale, my best friend Steven (Luatua) and the rest of the squad that Bristol is putting together."
Luatua, himself a new recruit, signalled his own enthusiasm at the addition via social media on Friday morning.
It will be his third stint on a European team since his departure from New Zealand Rugby in 2015, having spent his debut season in the north with Wasps.
Newshub.
