FRENCH international halfback César Rougé has swapped Catalans Dragons for returning Super League rivals Toulouse Olympique on a one-year deal.
Rougé played 48 times for Catalans, including 15 appearances last season, having joined the club’s junior ranks from Limoux.
But the 23-year-old, capped six times by France, has been allowed to depart with a year left on his Dragons contract.
“I’m very happy to join Toulouse Olympique and seize this opportunity,” said Rougé.
“I can’t wait to meet my French friends, to meet my new team-mates and supporters. I can’t wait to start working to defend my new colours.”
He is only Toulouse’s fourth new signing as they look to approach their second top-flight campaign with a similar squad to that which won the Championship.
London Broncos fullback Luke Polselli and Oldham winger Mathieu Pons are joined by forward Henry O’Kane from South Sydney Rabbitohs, while AJ Wallace’s loan move from Hull KR has been made permanent.
Rougé will compete with Thomas Lacans and Jake Shorrocks, who established themselves as the first-choice halfback pairing last season, in an area which otherwise lacked depth after Radean Robinson’s release, although he can also play at hooker.
“An opportunity presented itself to us with César and we seized it very quickly,” said Toulouse head coach Sylvain Houles.
“César will complete our workforce in the half position and I am very excited to see what he will take us.”
Rougé could play his first game for Toulouse against his former side when Super League’s two French clubs meet at Catalans’ Stade Gilbert Brutus on Friday, January 30 in the sole pre-season tune-up for both.