Two more years for Huete in Bayonne

Chilean international Pablo Huete has extended his contract with Aviron Bayonnais for a further two seasons. The 26-year-old second row joined the Pro D2 club from Massy in the off-season and his good form has seen him appear in 17 matches since August, starting in 13.

This is Huete’s fifth season in France. He joined the Castres Olympique academy in 2011 after spending time with Tasman in New Zealand, and then played with Pau for two seasons before moving to Massy. His professional commitments have restricted his appearances for Los Cóndores, having last represented his country in May of 2013 against Uruguay. He is again absent for the new Americas Rugby Championship.

Bayonne were relegated from the Top 14 last season but are in a strong position to make an immediate return. They currently sit 2nd on the competition table. With Lyon well ahead and near-certain to win automatic promotion, Bayonne will have to compete in two rounds of single-elimination playoffs to determine their fate for next season.

Huete’s signing coincides with the extension of three other contracts, as Samoan lock partner Pelu Taele-Pavihi and outside backs Julien Jané and Benjamin Thiery have also signed on for two more seasons.