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Former Junior All-American lock Nafi Ma’afu has signed a three-year contract with Biarritz that will keep him in France until at least 2025. Fast approaching his 24th birthday, he departs Perpignan after five years with the club largely spent with their academy side.
Ma’afu enjoyed a late-season surge in 2021 but struggled to make the lineup for Perpignan after they were promoted to the Top 14. He played five senior games across all competitions with one start as a blindside flanker against the Dragons in the Challenge Cup.
Despite his status as a rare US-eligible European professional, Ma’afu has yet to be called by Eagles selectors. He was not included in the 30-man squad to prepare for the World Cup Qualifying series against Chile but could yet come into the frame for the November test series.
Biarritz were also in the Top 14 this past season but could not escape relegation and will return to the Pro D2 next season. Ma’afu effectively takes the roster spot of Canadian international Evan Olmstead, who has now signed for Agen.
