George Bridge scores the first of his four tries Photo: Photosport
The Western Force have secured the signing of former All Black George Bridge for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons.
The 30-year-old has spent the past three seasons with Montpellier in France's Top 14 where he also played in the European Rugby Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.
He was part of New Zealand's 2019 World Cup squad, is a four-time Super Rugby champion and two-time Super Rugby Aotearoa winner from his six-year stint with the Crusaders.
During the 2019 World Cup, Bridge started four of the All Blacks' games, scoring in the pool stage win over South Africa and the quarter-final victory over Ireland.
Photo: Photosport
He has scored 12 tries from his 19 test appearances.
Bridge has played 82 Super Rugby games and scored 37 tries during his time with the Crusaders from 2017 to 2022 and then clocked up 48 caps and 11 tries for Montpellier.
Bridge said the Force are a franchise which is heading in the right direction.
"I'm keen to take on the new challenge and contribute to the club's success. I've always loved my time in Perth, and with friends and good connections among the staff and players, it felt like the right fit."
Force head coach Simon Cron said Bridge brings professionalism, versatility and a high rugby IQ.
"He's got a massive left foot kick. He can play multiple positions. He's a brilliant player. An amazing talent. He will add to the guys that we have in the squad. We know when we have injuries, it's important we have depth so we can progress deep into Super Rugby finals.
"I know a few New Zealand franchises were chasing him hard, but he wanted to join the Force. He'll add a lot to our environment."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
