'X-factor' Yato stays at Clermont

The club believes the 23-year-old possesses the "x-factor" that will assist the Top 14 leaders to keep themselves ahead of the chasing pack.

"Peceli has exceptional physical qualities, even if he is still young. He is capable of having the 'X Factor' that we are looking for. He will become increasingly important in the years to come," coach Franck Azema said.

Yato played at centre when he first joined the Clermont Academy in 2013. So far, he has played 36 matches for the senior team, scoring 12 tries.

Meanwhile, fellow Fiji international forward Jone Qovu extended his contract with title-chasing La Rochelle by two more years on Friday.

The 31-year-old, who had 13 caps, will stay at the club until June 2019.

Agence France-Presse