At the end of the contract with Clermont at the end of the season, Damian Penaud, 26, had promised that he would decide his future at the time of the VI Nations tournament.
The French international with 37 caps and 21 tries has finally taken a little ahead of schedule to announce his signing with Union Bordeaux-Bègles for the next three seasons, i.e. until 2026.
“We are very happy to announce the arrival of Damian at UBB, rejoices the president Laurent Marti.
His choice to come to Bordeaux is indicative of the attractiveness of the club, our ambition and our determination to continue to grow.
“A page turns for the top scorer of the Blues under the Fabien Galthié era, who arrived in Auvergne in 2014 and who had been in discussion with his club for many weeks.
✍️ 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗮𝘂𝗱 ➡️ 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ #iloveubb
— UBB Rugby (@UBBrugby) December 28, 2022
"The choice to leave Clermont was difficult," told L'Équipe the man who has already scored four tries in ten games with ASM since the start of the school year.
“We were committed to building a global offer to match the challenge, which we have done, explains Clermont president Jean-Michel Guillon.
It revolved around the financial aspect of course, but also the sports project and a family and extra-sports component.
After more than 8 years at the club, Damian made the choice to discover new horizons and live a new adventure.
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In eight years, Penaud will have contributed to the Brennus of 2017 and to the European title of 2019. “The club is grateful to have shared this great sporting adventure, continues Guillon.
And remains convinced that Damian will be able to give the best of himself by the end of this season for ASM.
The next Bordeaux-Bègles - Clermont is scheduled for February 18.
Penaud will not have a case of conscience.
It's in the middle of the VI Nations tournament...