The Hawke's Bay Magpies have secured the services of a 2021 European champion and a Wallaby winger as they continue to build an exciting squad for the upcoming 2026 Bunnings NPC season. 

Hawke's Bay Rugby today announced the signing of French prop Clement Castets for the 2026 campaign, while Australian outside back Darby Lancaster has committed to the Magpies for the 2026 and 2027 NPC seasons. 

Castets, 30, arrives in Hawke's Bay with an impressive rugby résumé, having spent nine seasons in France's Top 14. During that time he claimed domestic French titles in 2019 and 2021 before lifting the European Champions Cup with Toulouse in 2021, coming off the bench in their 22-17 final victory over La Rochelle. The Toulouse side featured stars including Antoine Dupont, Romain Ntamack, Cheslin Kolbe and former All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Charlie Faumuina. 

After moving to New Zealand last year, Castets played club rugby in Manawatū and earned a contract with the Turbos before suffering a shoulder injury during pre-season that required surgery. Following a 10-month rehabilitation, the former French Under-20 representative has returned to the field, playing club rugby for Sumner in Christchurch over the past six weeks. 

Castets is excited to pull on the black and white hoops. 

"I'm ready to go and really excited to be joining a team like the Magpies. 

"My partner and I are already looking forward to relocating and discovering such a beautiful part of Aotearoa New Zealand, and we feel very grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to doing my part in helping the Magpies in their quest to win the NPC." 

With the departure of 95-game Magpie Pouri Rakete-Stones, scrum coach Francisco DeFormes said securing an experienced front-rower was a key priority. 

"Clement is a highly experienced front-rower and scrummager who can play both sides. He'll be able to lead and share his huge amount of knowledge and experience with the exciting younger props we have coming through club rugby and our academy." 

Castets will join his new teammates when the Magpies begin their NPC preparations on Monday, July 6. 

The Magpies have also secured the signature of exciting Australian winger Darby Lancaster for the next two NPC campaigns. 

Lancaster, 23, joins from the Western Force after making his Wallabies debut against Georgia in July 2024. Prior to breaking into the Test arena, he was a standout performer on the Australian Sevens circuit, earning a reputation as one of the country's most dangerous outside backs with his pace and finishing ability. 

Magpies Coach Sam McNicol said the addition of Lancaster provides a significant boost to the squad. 

"Given the number of experienced Super Rugby players who have departed this year, securing someone of Darby's quality for the next two years, along with a highly experienced and talented prop in Clem for this season, adds significant experience to our squad. Their leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we aim to secure our first NPC title." 

McNicol believes Lancaster's attacking strengths make him an ideal fit for the Magpies' style of play. 

"Darby is a quality acquisition for our Magpies backline. We want to play fast and exciting rugby, and Darby's skillset fits this perfectly." 

The Magpies open their 2026 NPC campaign against Wellington at Sky Stadium on Sunday, August 2, before hosting Tasman in their first home match at McLean Park on Saturday, August 8.