Nobody saw this one coming! On Wednesday, Perpignan announced the signing of another player, and no small one at that: Jordan Petaia (25), 30 caps for Australia. The former Queensland Reds star in Super Rugby and Wallaby, able to play at centre, full-back and on the wing, will land in Catalonia this season after trying in vain in recent months, like Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit, to break into American football with the Los Angeles Chargers franchise in the NFL.

Perpignan well stocked at centre

Courted in particular by Super Rugby clubs and by Australia’s prestigious rugby league competition (NRL), Petaia has therefore been won over by last season’s 13th-placed Top 14 side, whose line of centres will look distinctly handsome.

Alongside the athletic Australian (1.90m, 102 kg), Perpignan have also recruited former Toulon man Duncan Paia’aua and already count in their ranks the ever-precious Jeronimo de la Fuente and ex-Bayonne player Eneriko Buliruarua. A headache in prospect for manager Franck Azéma once he has everyone available.

Solid material, then, going into a 2025-2026 season in which USAP hope to move up a level and spare themselves any nasty stress right up to the final round.