Toulouse sign Joseph Paulo from St Helens

James Gordon

29th February 2020, Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England; Betfred Super League, Toronto Wolfpack v Saint Helens : Joseph Paulo (18) of St Helens points during the game

Toulouse have signed former Samoa and USA international Joseph Paulo from St Helens on a two-year deal.

Paulo, 32, was an NRL winner with Cronulla in 2016 and was part of Saints’ Super League winning squad last season, though he didn’t play in either Grand Final.

A former Penrith and Parramatta back-rower, Paulo caught the eye playing at stand-off for the USA at the 2013 World Cup, while he has also won 11 caps for Samoa.

He said: “I am really grateful to Toulouse for giving me this opportunity to join the club and take part in this special project.

“This allows me to come full circle. I played in Toulouse in 2006 with the Australian Schoolboys and also in 2013 with the USA.”

Toulouse president Bernard Sarrazain said: “Whatever competition we play in next year, we make sure to be in the Super League configuration and the fact we have succeeded in bringing in a player of the calibre of Joseph shows that we are on the right track.”

Paulo had fallen out of favour at St Helens, making just eight appearances this season and playing only twice since Super League re-started in August.

Saints coach Kristian Woolf said: “We thank Joseph for his efforts over the last two years. He has been a valued member of the squad, contributing on and off the field. We wish him well over in France.”