France international Alrix Da Costa signs new Catalans deal

France international Alrix Da Costa has signed a new one-year deal with Catalans.

The 23-year-old hooker will remain at the Gilbert Brutus Stadium until at least the end of the 2022 campaign.

Da Costa came through the Dragons’ academy and has made 80 appearances since making his first team debut back in 2016. He has won five caps for France.

Catalans coach Steve McNamara said: “Alrix has established himself as an important member of our team.

“He is very reliable and continues to improve in all areas of his game. I am very happy he has agreed to stay at the Dragons.”

Da Costa said: “I am very happy to extend my contract at the Dragons. This is my club. I have seen the club growing since I am here and I want to continue to be part of it.

“We are going in the right direction and I want to help the club to win titles. I would like to thank the staff and the directors for trusting me once again.”

Meanwhile, Catalans forward Joel Tomkins will return to England with Leigh in 2022.

The 34-year-old has made more than 300 career appearances for Wigan, Hull KR and Catalans.

Tomkins said: “It will be with a heavy heart when I leave Catalans. I’ve built up some great relationships over here and I owe a lot to the coach, Steve McNamara and owner Bernard Guasch.

“Steve was the main reason I signed after leaving Hull KR. He is one of the genuine good guys and though he was keen for me to stay I explained my reasons for leaving and he was very supportive.

“A few other clubs had shown an interest in me signing for next season, but I planned on making a decision at the end of the season. The Leigh offer came a bit out of the blue for me but once I’d heard about the club’s plans and ambitions, I was really excited.”