France lock Paul Willemse has extended his contract with Montpellier until 2025, the Top 14 club announced on Tuesday.

South African-born Willemse (29) joined the southern outfit in 2015 and has made 19 Test appearances.

The 130kg loose forward has been a mainstay for Les Bleus since Fabien Galthie took over as head coach after the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“I’m very proud to continue the adventure with Montpellier and I hope to make this club proud and all the supporters over the coming seasons,” Willemse said in a Montpellier statement.

Montpellier’s European Champions Cup match against Leinster this coming weekend is in doubt due to Covid-19 cases among both squads.

In the Top 14, they are third on the table before heading to struggling Biarritz on 26 December.

France start their Six Nations campaign on 6 February by hosting Italy in Paris.

© Agence France-Presse

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