The former All Blacks winger Zac Guildford has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third with French Top 14 leaders Clermont.
Guildford, who is in his prime at 24 but has struggled with alcohol problems, will move to France after this year's Super Rugby season.
Guildford becomes Clermont's fifth recruit for next season after forward Sebastien Vahaamahina, centre Jonathan Davies, Australian hooker John Ulugia and New Zealand number 8 Fritz Lee.
New Zealand has a policy of not selecting foreign-based players for the All Blacks, meaning the switch could effectively end Guildford's international career.
He played the last of his 10 Tests for New Zealand in mid-2012.
Guildford's alcohol problems first emerged publicly when he was reprimanded by All Blacks' management during their 2011 World Cup campaign.
Just weeks later, after New Zealand had won the tournament, he had a meltdown while holidaying in the Cook Islands, running naked into a bar and punching two men.
Then in January last year he allegedly became involved in a brawl at a party in Christchurch, prompting him temporarily to withdraw from rugby and seek help.
