Mehrtens goes Racing
Sun, 03 Aug 2008 21:25
A young man goes to Paris, they say, as every young man must. Andrew Mehrtens, legendary All Black flyhalf is also going to Paris, to play for the ancient Racing club there, though he is no longer young in rugby terms.
Mehrtens spent last season playing for Toulon and helping them on their way up from Pro D2 to the Top 14. Now the 35-year-old flyhalf is heading for Racing-Métro 92, a club whose origins stretch back to 1882 and the Racing Club de France.
Last season Racing came close to promotion to the Top 14, losing to Mont-de-Marsan in a race for promotion. But the club has ambitions, and has as its managing director, Pierre Berbizier, who once captained France, then coached France and then coached Italy. Last year Agustín Pichot was the scrumhalf but he has retired.
Since playing in 70 Tests for New Zealand, Mehrtens has played for Harlequins in London and for Toulon who did not renew his contract.
Mehrtens has signed for a year and is due to arrive on Wednesday.
