Slade up for the fight with struggling Pau

World Cup winner Colin Slade said he is relishing the task of keeping Pau in the French top flight after he was unveiled to media at the Top 14 newboys on Tuesday.

The 28-year-old joins fellow New Zealander Conrad Smith in signing for last season's Pro D2 second division champions post-World Cup.

And with several other former All Blacks already playing in France and others, such as Dan Carter and Ma'a Nonu, set to mark new chapters in their careers, Slade is looking forward to playing with and against some familiar faces.

"I'm a bit tired, it's been a long journey here from New Zealand," said Slade, who signs from Highlanders having begun his career at Crusaders.

"(After) finishing the World Cup it was good to get home but at the same time I had to pack up the house and move over.

"It's pretty tiring but it feels fantastic to be here. Finally! It's something I've been looking forward to all year."

The fly-half, who can play almost anywhere across the backline, added: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge."

Pau are currently just three points above the relegation zone after losing five of their opening eight matches this season.

Slade is in no doubt about the scale of the task ahead.

"The challenge in front of the team, coming up from division two last year into the Top 14, it's a great opportunity to be part of something and to build something," he said.

"We've got a battle on our hands, there's a lot of fight in the team from what I've seen and heard. I'm looking forward to getting in and meeting the guys and being a part of that fight."

Slade said it will help having the likes of fellow World Cup winner Smith and New Zealander coach Simon Mannix alongside him in the south west of France.

Slade officially joins the club on December 1 and should come into contention for the club's clash with Racing 92 four days later.

"I'm not here to talk about Colin's rugby ability, everyone knows it," said Mannix.

"If they don't know it, they will soon see it.

"Colin decided to come before his contract starts on December 1.

"Knowing how demanding (playing for) New Zealand is and the challenge ahead, I'm not surprised he's made this choice to come before (his contract starts).

"It's a satisfaction for a club like Pau to be able to attract a player of top quality at this age -- it's important for the future of this club and its ambition.

"He's one of the best No 10s in the world."

Slade said he'll most be looking forward to coming up against familiar faces.

"A lot of All Blacks or past All Blacks are playing over here now, I've got some great mates playing over here too," he said.

"It'll be great to play against them. Obviously we're all competitive and want to beat each other: we'll be enemies on the field and friends afterwards."
Source: AFP