Le Plessis-Robinson (France) (AFP) - Twice-capped All Black lock Dominic Bird was unveiled as one of eight new recruits by beaten European Champions Cup finalists Racing 92 on Wednesday.
Bird, 27, will leave the Chiefs and comes in to replace retiring Argentinian veteran Patricio Albacete.
Racing, surprisingly beaten by Castres in the Top 14 semi-final, also announced the signatures of Fijian fly-half Ben Volavola from Bordeaux-Begles and a second No 10 in Raphael Lagarde from second division club Bayonne.
The duo will vie for a starting place with Scotland's Finn Russell, the big-name replacement for the departing All Black legend Dan Carter and France international Remi Tales, with Springbok Pat Lambie out with a long-term injury.
Club president Jacky Lorenzetti confirmed the arrival of Ireland back Simon Zebo from Munster and twice-capped France flanker Fabien Sanconnie from relegated Brive.
Also signed up are Dax centre Olivier Klemenczak and 17-year-old Massy flanker Jordan Joseph, currently on duty with France at the under-20 world championships.
