Conrad Smith close to staying, Ben Smith not joining Pau
New Zealand international centre Conrad Smith is close to extending his stay at Pau but All Black full-back Ben Smith will not be joining the French Top 14 outfit, the club said on Monday.
"It's very clear between him (Conrad Smith) and us, he's indicated that if he plays another season (in France) it will be at Pau," said club president Bernard Pontneau.
As for Ben Smith, "for now it's dead" added the Pau chief.
"The call of his country was stronger," he said.
Meanwhile, former France international lock and club captain Julien Pierre has signed a one-year contract extension.
The 35-year-old, who has 27 France caps, is currently injured with a biceps problem that could see him miss the rest of the season following surgery.