Toulouse hand Super League deal to former Catalans half-back
Toulouse have handed a two-year deal to former Catalans Dragons half-back Lucas Albert following their promotion to Super League.
Albert, 23, made 50 appearances for the Dragons between 2016 and 2020 before moving to Carcassonne.
He linked up with Toulouse back in April, but due to injury was sidelined until the final Championship game of the season against Newcastle.
He said: “I am very happy to resign with Toulouse, there is a great project. The hardest part is yet to come.”
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Albert left Catalans at the end of 2020 citing his frustration at a lack of opportunity.
Toulouse have recently handed new deals to Lloyd White, Guy Armitage and Harrison Hansen.
Their only new signing since the Championship Grand Final defeat of Featherstone so far is hooker James Cunningham.
Toulouse chief Bernard Sarrazain added: “Experience does not always rhyme with age, Lucas Albert is the perfect example.
“His youth combined with his experience in the Super League, acquired with the Dragons, is clearly an asset for the squad. We are very happy that he stay with us. ”
Areas to strengthen
Toulouse full-back Mark Kheirallah will start for France against England on Saturday, with Tony Gigot captaining the side from the halves.
The addition of Cunningham means Toulouse are well stacked at nine, with White and Eloi Pelissier already in the squad.
Albert may well stake a claim for the number seven jersey, that will surely be earmarked for Gigot alongside Johnathan Ford.
A key area for strengthening will be in the outside backs. Australian winger Jy Hitchcox is leaving the club and France international Paul Marcon has been sidelined all year through injury.
They have Super League experience already in the back row, courtesy of Andrew Dixon, Dom Peyroux and Joseph Paulo.
New faces are certain at prop though, with Remi Casty having retired. Mitch Garbutt and Hansen are their two current stand-outs.