Leinster have confirmed that former All Black cap Charlie Ngatai has joined the province from Lyon.
Ngatai, 31, made one appearance for New Zealand in 2015, against Samoa, before injury cost him the opportunity to add to his Test experience, although he has also lined out 12 times for the Maori All Blacks.
At club level the versatile back has thrived at Lyon, most recently helping the French club to claim the European Challenge Cup crown in Marseille.
Ngatai has played 88 times for the Top 14 side in the last four seasons and, in the coming weeks, will start work alongside Leinster's new backs coach Andrew Goodman, another Kiwi.
Leo Cullen first met the Kiwi eight years ago and was struck then by the influence the young Ngatai had on the Chiefs.
And, with next season extending into a World Cup year, the Leinster head coach is delighted to bring the experienced centre on board.
Leinster's frontline centre partners Robbie Henshaw and Garry Ringrose are certainties for Ireland duty during a busy 2023.
Ciaran Frawley and Harry Byrne, two out-halves who have both lined out at centre for the province in recent times, are also named in Ireland's squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand.
So Cullen will welcome an arrival of the quality of Ngatai.
“I first came across Charlie back in 2014 when I visited the Chiefs late-on in my playing days and as I was preparing to make the transition into coaching," said Cullen.
"Even then, as a young man, you could see the influence he had on that Chiefs squad and that influence I think has only increased over the years with Lyon most recently.
“He’s a New Zealand international and I believe would have been capped far more only for his injury issues which were well-documented at the time.
"But he has been back playing now a number of years and you could see even in the Challenge Cup final in Marseille just how influential a player he is.
“The important element for us I think when you look at some of the experience we are losing out of the environment this season with departures and retirements, is that Charlie will be an ever-present figure around UCD and will be a great asset to our younger players in terms of his leadership and experience.
“We look forward to welcoming Charlie and his young family to Dublin very soon.”
Ngatai commented: “I’ve had a great few seasons in Lyon but I’m now excited to get started in a new environment, a new team culture and to take on new challenges.
“I’ve had a few good chats with Leo and it will be exciting to play alongside some new and also some familiar faces.”
