Catalans centre Arthur Romano signs contract extension

Catalans centre Arthur Romano has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a new deal that will secure his future with the Dragons until at least the end of 2022.

Romano came through the club’s academy and has scored three tries in 19 appearances since making his first team debut in 2017.

Romano – who represented France at the Nines World Cup in Sydney in 2019 – is currently on the road to recovery after suffering a season-ending injury whilst playing for the club’s reserves earlier this year.

Catalans coach Steve McNamara said: “We were all hugely disappointed when Arthur sustained his injury in pre-season.

“His attitude to his recovery has been outstanding and this new contract is recognition of that. We look forward to seeing him return to the field in 2022.”

Romano added: “I am very happy to extend with the club. I would like to thank the staff and the club for the trust they put in me.

“I’m working hard to come back stronger and I can’t wait to train again with the team.”

In other Catalans news, France international Alrix Da Costa has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

The 23-year-old hooker will remain at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium until at least the end of the 2022 campaign.

Da Costa came through the Dragons’ academy and has made 80 appearances since making his first team debut back in 2016. He has won five caps for France.

McNamara said: “Alrix has established himself as an important member of our team.

“He is very reliable and continues to improve in all areas of his game. I am very happy he has agreed to stay at the Dragons.”

Da Costa said: “I am very happy to extend my contract at the Dragons. This is my club. I have seen the club growing since I am here and I want to continue to be part of it.

“We are going in the right direction and I want to help the club to win titles. I would like to thank the staff and the directors for trusting me once again.”