Transfers. Top 14 – Clermont has its future opener: Harry Plummer should sign up soon

The wait is coming to an end. Looking for a flyhalf for many months, Clermont has finally found its future flyhalf. According to our information, Harry Plummer recently visited the Auvergne club's facilities and is expected to engage with ASM in the coming weeks. The number 10 of the Auckland Blues (26 years old) is coming off a magnificent season with the New Zealand franchise, crowned with a final victory in Super Rugby.

A “10-12” ball carrier profile

Since the departure of Camille Lopez in 2022, Clermont has secured the services of three openers (Anthony Belleau, Jules Plisson and Benjamin Urdapilleta) with more or less success, even if the former Castres quickly became the leader in the hierarchy. While he will leave at the end of the season and Belleau's fate has not yet been decided, the ASM leaders have clearly shown their desire to find a fourth opening half. With Harry Plummer, Christophe Urios will be able to count on an offensive profile, also capable of playing in the center if necessary. Different characteristics of George Ford, whose negotiations ultimately never came to fruition, and Tomas Albornoz, Argentina's number 10, renowned for his creative side with the ball in hand.

All Black since September

Harry Plummer was trained with the Auckland Blues and has never left his hometown, with six seasons in a row since his first appearance in 2018. Under the orders of Vern Cotter, Plummer has been the guide of the Blues and was even voted best player of the season by the supporters of the Auckland club. His performances have also opened the doors to the All Blacks, with a first selection in September 2024, against Australia. Scheduled to play with the All Blacks XV (New Zealand's development team), Plummer was injured and was unable to play against Georgia. “Harry has been huge this season! There is a crazy bond between us. We can count on him, he has a very good kicking game and he is strong too. We have had a lot of players contacted, that's the game, but that's normal. Harry has one more year with us, I hope to keep him for two or even three years, but after that there is an economic reality of rugby to take into account.” declared the former Clermont manager in an exclusive interview with Rugbyrama.

This file for the opener is about to be completed, the Clermont management should now focus on another major project for the coming season: the third line, with five players at the end of their contract (Sowakula, Lee, Yato, Kremer , Fischer). Pita-Gus Sowakula has already stated that he wants to stay at ASM.