Tyla Hepi signs fresh Toulouse deal

Tyla Hepi has signed a new deal with Toulouse for the 2019 season.

The 25-year-old front-rower was the second most used player by Sylvain Houles in 2018, playing 29 games in the Championship season, only being behind France international Mark Kheirallah.

Hepi had a stint in Super League with Hull Kingston Rovers between 2011 and 2013, while enjoying a loan spell at Gloucestershire All Golds in that time.

He moved to Whitehaven in 2015, where he impressed and caught the eye of Toulouse, where he has gone on to make 81 appearances for the French club.

On his new deal, Hepi said: “I am very excited about the season ahead.

“This is a pivotal year for Toulouse and for French rugby league in general.

“From a personal standpoint, I am eager to get into the preparation and regain the ground to work hard for the team.

“It’s very nice to be in a group focused on its target and pushing us in the same direction to reach it.”

Olympique chairman Bernard Sarrazain commented: “Tyla is such an effective player.

“I prefer to have him with us – 100% – rather than against us.”