Eaton extends France stay

Bordeaux - New Zealand forward Jason Eaton has extended his contract with Top 14 side La Rochelle until 2017, the club announced on Friday.

Eaton, 32, made 15 appearances for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2009, and has turned out 17 times for La Rochelle this season after arriving from Japan following a lengthy spell with Super Rugby side Hurricanes.

He normally operates as a lock but can also play in the back row, and was named captain of his new club twice this season in the absence of Samoan-born French international prop Uini Atonio.

La Rochelle are currently second from bottom in the French top flight after six wins from 17 matches and in danger of relegation.