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Iñaki Ayarza has signed a long-term deal with Vannes. The 24-year-old has signed for Vannes from 2024-2028. This sees the Chilean World Cup fullback moving north from Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente to Vannes and exchanging the Pro D2 to play in the Top 14. Vannes won promotion to the French elite, doing so with Puma Francisco Gorrissen as captain.
Ayarza had also been approached by the 2022 Top 14 champions, Montpellier. However, that move not eventuate. Importantly, for Vannes, Ayarza is a JIFF player.
Vannes has a strong connection to South America. Former Puma flanker Francisco Gorrissen is captain. Argentina XV back-rower Juan Bautista Pedemonte is also at the club while Uruguayan backs Nicolás Freitas and Andrés Vilaseca recently played for Vannes. Ayarza and Vialseca played against each-other in a Rugby World Cup warm-up match in July 2023. Ayarza scored a second-half try in a match won 26-25 by Los Teros.
Ayarza was busy for Chile at the World Cup. Despite usually playing as a center in France, Pablo Lemoine used him at fullback. Ayarza made many take notice as he represented his country at the World Cup against Japan in Toulouse, Samoa in Bordeaux, England in Lille, and Argentina in Nantes.
Ayarza is a product of the PWCC club in Santiago, Chile. He moved to Bayonne, France as an academy player in 2018. Having also played for Anglet, he moved from Bayonne to Soyaux Angoulême XV Charente in 2021. He helped the team win promotion from the Nationale to the Pro D2 that season.
