Barrett's back-up West heads north to France

Cape Town - La Rochelle have announced the signing of Hurricanes flyhalf Ihaia West on a three-year contract until 2021.

The New Zealander will join the Top 14 club at the end of the Super Rugby campaign having spent just a season at the Wellington-based outfit.

West will replace Brock James, who has penned a deal with Bordeaux-Begles and will duly leave for their French rivals in the off-season.

West, the 'Canes reserve pivot to regular starter Beauden Barrett, is remembered for his winning try in the Blues’ 22-16 triumph over the British and Irish Lions in June, but struggled for consistency at the Auckland side.

He signed a one-year contract with the 2016 Super Rugby champions for the 2018 campaign, but will head to France when that deal ends.