Canadian prop Doug Wooldridge signs with French rugby giant Clermont Auvergne

An injury crisis at Clermont Auvergne has earned Canadian rugby international Doug Wooldridge a job with the French powerhouse.

The 30-year-old prop, originally from Lindsay, Ont., flew out Wednesday after agreeing to a three-month contract with Clermont, which is tied with Toulouse and Racing Metro with 38 points atop the French Top 14 league.

“I’m really really excited for sure,” he said from the airport. “I’m just looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a real tough hill to climb but if I can put in a good performance over there, hopefully build off the World Cup, I think there could be a (future) opportunity as well.”

Clermont props Davit Zirakashvili of Georgia and Clement Ric of France are both sidelined. Wooldridge says Clermont reached out a week ago and finalized the deal this week.

He has resigned his full-time job with an elevator contractor in Victoria to pursue his rugby dream. “They’ve been really supportive through the whole thing,” he said of his employer.

Wooldridge had to act quickly. Clermont plays Welsh side Ospreys on Friday in the Champions Cup, which means he could see action against fellow Canadian internationals Tyler Ardron and Jeff Hassler.

Star-studded Clermont (7-4-1) leads Pool 2 in the Champions Cup with three wins in four matches.

Founded in 1911, the club is known for its fanatical support. Its home stadium, the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin, is regularly filled to the brim by a sea of fans clad in blue and yellow.

Clermont also has a history of being a rugby bridesmaid. It has reached the French championship final 12 times, losing on each occasion until its 11th trip in 2010.

Wooldridge, who made his test debut against Ireland in May 2009, has won 23 caps for Canada, He appeared in all four of Canada’s games at the 2015 Rugby World Cup games.

He believes the World Cup served as an audition. Plus Canadian teammate Jamie Cudmore is a longtime Clermont player.

The veteran lock, who captained Canada at the World Cup when regular skipper Ardron was injured, has spent the last decade at Clermont. He is currently out with a back injury.

George Barton, a member of the Canadian under-20 team, plays for Clermont’s academy.

Wooldridge has not played professionally before, lining up for the Ontario Blues, Lindsay RFC and Castaway Wanderers.

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