Catalan confirm Elima return

Catalan have confirmed the return of French international forward Olivier Elima ahead of next season.

Elima, 29, was previously with the Dragons between 2008 and 2010, before a two-year stint at Super League rivals Bradford.

He will now return to France on a two-year deal for 2013, when he is expected to lead his country at the World Cup.

He said: “I’m very happy to come back at the club. I’ve been at the club before, I know the players and I’m obviously the France captain.

“It’s just an easy link for me to go back there with my family.”

Elima will enter his 12th successive season in Super League next year, having played for Castleford back in 2002, before moving on to spend five seasons with Wakefield.

He has made more than 200 appearances in the top flight, scoring 61 tries.

Outgoing Dragons coach Trent Robinson said: “It’s a great news for the club to have a French player return to our shores and he will help continue to develop French Rugby League and the Dragons. 

“Olivier has proven his worth in Super League over many years and the Dragons are excited to have him for the next two years.”