CORNISH All Blacks back rower Torin Clarke is joining National League One side Plymouth Albion, the Post can reveal.

The talented No.8 was missing for the All Blacks’ two friendlies against Redruth over the past two weekends, and All Blacks’ joint head coach Ian Goldsmith confirmed the reason why.

Albion are yet to formally announce the move for Clarke, who was an interested spectator at Polson Bridge last Friday night as the All Blacks went down 45-0 to their old rivals in front of an excellent-sized crowd as rugby returned to the ground for the first time in over 14 months.

Clarke has played a big part in the three seasons up to last year’s first lockdown helping turn the All Blacks’ fortunes around after a period of struggle.

He is the latest All Blacks player to head to Albion in recent years, following in the footsteps of the likes of Fraser Honey, Matt Shepherd, Billy Searle, Christian Judge and Jon Dawe. It is credit to the club and the All Blacks’ coaching staff, who have helped him develop into such a fine player, and one that should do well at a higher level.