Medical joker Delany signs Clermont deal

Fly-half Mike Delany has signed a two-year deal with French Top 14 leaders Clermont just two weeks after arriving as a medical joker, his club said on Monday. The one-time New Zealand international had joined the Vulcans from Japanese side Panasonic Wild Knights as cover for injured youngster Julien Farnoux. But now the 30-year-old has been offered a two-year deal from next season, with an option for a third year, to replace outgoing former France international David Skrela. It means Delany, who won his only All Blacks cap in 2009, will challenge Australian Brock James for possession of the No.10 jersey next season. Clermont also announced the arrival of scrum-half Thierry Lacrampe from Castres on a three-year deal and said South African prop Daniel Kotze has had his contract extended by a further two years. Lyon backs coach Xavier Sadourny will join the club as a youth team coach next season. Clermont's New Zealander fly-half Mike Delany hits a penalty kick during the French Top 14 rugby union match against Toulouse on April 20, 2013 in Clermont-Ferrand, central France. Delany has signed a two-year deal with French Top 14 leaders Clermont just two weeks after arriving as a medical joker, his club said.