Catalans Dragons have signed rugby union star and former Rugby League international Krisnan Inu on a deal until the end of the season.
Inu, who was a member of New Zealand’s 2008 World-Cup winning team, scored 65 tries in 139 NRL appearances for Parramatta, New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs before switching codes at the start of the year.
He has made just six appearances for Stade Francais and missed out on selection when the Paris-based club won the Top 14 Final last weekend.
The Dragons threequarter line is bare following injuries to Willie Tonga, Michael Oldfield and Vincent Duport while Mathias Pala last week joined Championship club Leigh.
Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous said: “With many of our players sidelined for a long-term period, it was important to strengthen and boost our squad.
“It’s a crucial period for the club with some important games to come. We had a great opportunity with Krisnan and we did not want to miss it.
“He will add quality and depth to our back line and he will bring his experience to the group.”
Inu had been linked with a move to Hull for next season but the Dragons say they will consider extending his stay with them if the move proves successful.
Catalans chief executive Christophe Jouffret said: “I’m certain that a player with his experience and skills will be appreciated by our fans at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium.
” We have signed him until the end of the season but, if this period is successful, we will consider a contract extension for the following seasons.”
