Toulouse snap up Romain Navarrete

Toulouse have signed prop Romain Navarrete from fellow Championship side London Broncos on a deal until the end of 2023.

The 27-year-old has made almost 100 appearances in Super League for Catalans Dragons, Wigan and Wakefield.

Navarrete, who has won seven caps for France, joined London ahead of this season but will return to his homeland immediately to link up with promotion-chasers Toulouse.

He said: “I am very happy to be part of TO XIII, I can’t wait to start working with the team in order to be able to help the club to move up to the Super League.

“I would be very happy and proud to contribute to the rise of ‘a second French club in this division.”

Toulouse president Bernard Sarrazain said: “We are very happy to have had the opportunity to sign Romain.

“Due to his experience and his aggressiveness, his support will be invaluable to us in the months and years to come, especially as he should continue to progress with us.”

Navarrete is a welcome arrival at Toulouse, who have lost front-rowers Paterika Vaivai and Ben Evans in recent months and are preparing for the retirement of veteran Remi Casty at the end of the season.

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Navarrete won a Super League title with Wigan in 2018 and represented his country at the World Cup in 2017.

Earlier this month, London announced that head coach Danny Ward left the club with immediate effect.

The 41-year-old was out of contract at the end of the season and had informed the club of his intention to move on. Both parties then decided to part ways with immediate effect, with Tom Tsang taking over the head coaching duties at the Broncos on an interim basis.

Toulouse and Featherstone both sit at the top of the Championship table, with both clubs sitting on a 100% win record so far this campaign.