Wallabies prop Sekope Kepu has landed at his new French club, Bordeaux Begles.
The 29-year-old was officially unveiled at his new rugby home overnight, ready to embark on his three-year contract.
Bordeaux had kept a close eye on Kepu through his career and considered it a massive coup to lure him to France.
His impressive 2015 World Cup campaign, in which he proved a linchpin of the Wallabies’ improved scrum, only made him a more exciting addition to the team.
Speaking to reporters at his first press conference in the new colours, Kepu said he was excited for a new challenge.
“It's going to be tough, nothing's going to be easy, but it's all part of trying to be a better player,” he said.
“I know this is one of the top competitions in the world, I'll try to fit myself into the team and achieving some goals as a team. I just want to be part of that journey.
"For me part of the decision to come was to play in French competition and test myself against some of the best props in the world - to be in scrums every weekend against French internationals.
“My family's really excited - nothing's easy in life but over the next month or two we'll settle in."
The 63-cap Wallaby will still be eligible for international duty despite his move overseas but has previously been non-committal about adding to his Test tally, having signed before eligibility rules were changed.
Kepu will be joined by Waratahs teammate, back Adam Ashley-Cooper, at Bordeaux in the coming weeks.
Seventh-placed Bordeaux plays Selection Paloise on Sunday morning (AEDT) in the next round of the French Top 14 competition.
