Ireland prop Linda Djougang is set to move to Clermont, the IRFU has confirmed.
Djougang will join French champions ASM Romagnat Rugby - an affiliate of Top 14 side Clermont Avergne - in a deal which has been brokered by the IRFU.
25-year-old Djougang, who has 12 caps to her name, is a fluent French speaker and will make the switch after this September’s qualifying competition for the Rugby World Cup.
On her move, she said: “I am determined to be the best player I can be and working with the coaches at ASM Romagnat and being in their environment will help accelerate my development.
“Playing in the French league week in week out will be incredible and I am really looking forward to committing everything to this opportunity. David (Nucifora) and Anthony have put in a lot of work to make sure this move would be a good fit for me.”
Meanwhile IRFU director of women's and Sevens rugby Anthony Eddy said: "This is a really positive move for Linda as she will be able to train full-time in a professional environment and test herself regularly against some of the best players in the world.
“We have established a strong connection with the coaches in ASM Romagnat which will allow us to collaborate on Linda’s ongoing development. Linda will remain available for all Ireland camps and matches.”
