Rugby
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 7y

Bok flyhalf Lambie completes Racing 92 switch subject to medical

Rugby, Top 14 Orange, Super Rugby

South Africa flyhalf Pat Lambie will join French Top 14 side Racing 92 from 1 November, subject to passing a medical, the Parisian club confirmed on Tuesday.

Lambie has been able to seal the switch after being released early from his contracts with the Springboks and the Sharks, and has signed a four-year contract with his new club.

"Racing 92 is pleased to announce the recruitment of South African international Patrick Lambie from 1 November to 2021, subject to traditional medical examinations," Racing 92 said in a statement on their website.

"This world-class striker is signed as an 'additional player' and his signature completes the Racing recruitment campaign."

The 26-year-old Lambie has endured a torrid time with injuries of late, and has not featured for the Boks this year, having been unable to add to his 56 Test caps.

A series of concussions in the past few years, the most recent this May, had left Lambie on the sidelines as he battled with headaches, light sensitivity in his eyes, and neck problems. Additionally, the emergence of youngster Curwin Bosch at the Sharks will potentially limit his game time at the union in the future, likely influencing his decision to make the move to France

Lambie made his debut for the Sharks in Super Rugby in 2010 and earned his first Test cap later that year in a 23-21 victory over Ireland at Lansdowne Road.

He will still be eligible for the Boks if selected as he has passed the number of caps required for overseas players, 30, and could yet be an important part of their squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

"Patrick felt that he wanted a different challenge in his career," explained Springbok coach Allister Coetzee.

"He has been loyal to the Springboks and has had done very well for his country. It is a big loss for us, but we want to wish him well with the next chapter of his career. However, having played 56 Tests for the Springboks already, he is still eligible for future selection."

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