Toulouse confirm signing of Australian hooker Nathan Peats

Toulouse have confirmed the signing of former Huddersfield hooker Nathan Peats until the end of 2023.

Peats, 31, has been playing in France with Albi in the Elite 1 Championship since the end of the last Super League season.

He initially came to the UK with Leigh, but moved to Huddersfield on loan, playing a total of 23 games.

Peats said: “At the end of my Super League season with the Huddersfield Giants, my family and I wanted to settle in France. I had the opportunity to play with Albi RL XIII, with the hope of joining the Toulouse Olympic thereafter.

“I’m very grateful that this is now a reality and very happy to join this club. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates.”

Familiar faces for Nathan Peats

Peats becomes the latest addition to Sylvain Houles squad, as they look to move off the bottom of the Super League table.

Recent signings Corey Norman and Daniel Alvaro played alongside Peats at Parramatta.

The Sydney-native played in State of Origin in 2017 and has made 159 NRL appearances.

He began his professional career in 2011 with South Sydney Rabbitohs and also played for Gold Coast Titans.

Toulouse president Bernard Sarrazain added: “The arrival of Nathan will undoubtedly give the team a plus, thanks to his vast experience at the highest world level and his natural leadership.

“I am very satisfied to have a player of such caliber in our ranks. It will be of great help to us in achieving the club’s objectives.”

Peats scored one try in 13 appearances for Albi, as they finished fourth in the French Elite One Championship.

He moved to Huddersfield midway through last season in a planned player-swap deal; that was meant to see James Cunningham move to Leigh. Cunningham pulled out of the move but Peats moved to the John Smith’s Stadium anwyay.

The Giants couldn’t keep him at the end of the year having already used up their quota spots.