Former All Black five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens has signed a three-year deal with third-division French club Beziers after his contract with Top 14 outfit Racing-Metro was not renewed.

Mehrtens, 37, also has the possibility of moving into the coaching set-up of the club that plies its trade in Federale 1, one level below ProD2, the second division.

"I'm very proud to have signed for Beziers," said Mehrtens, who was capped 70 times by the All Blacks and whose experience in France has seen him play one season with Toulon and two with Paris-based Racing.

The Kiwi explained that Bezier's history had been a big draw.

"With 11 French titles, Beziers is one of rugby's mythical clubs. To join this club is a great honour for me," he said.

"And then there's the Beziers of today, its team, its sporting plan, its future. There are some great things to do and to come.

"I've seen some Federale 1 matches and it doesn't scare me."

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