Catalans Dragons poach rugby union player

Catalans Dragons have signed Kiwi threequarter Krisnan Inu from rugby union outfit Stade Francais.

The 28-year-old New Zealand rugby league international has NRL exprerience with Parramatta Eels, New Zealand Warriors and Canterbury Bulldogs.

He has signed a deal until the end of the 2015 season, after being in rugby union for only a short time.

He made six appearances for Stade Francais last season, scoring one try and winning the Top 14 Grand Final.

“With many of our players sidelined for a long-term period, it was important to strengthen and boost our squad,” said Catalans coach Laurent Frayssinous.

“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.”

Catalans Dragons CEO Christophe Jouffret believed that Inu, who has been strongly linked with a move to Hull FC in 2016, will give the Dragons a timely boost.

“We are delighted to sign Krisnan,” he said.

“I’m certain that a player with his experience and skills will be appreciated by our fans at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium who I am sure will love seeing him play.

“After his recent stint in rugby union at Paris with Stade Français, the former Canterbury player will provide a timely boost for us to the end of the season.

“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 season’s.”