Catalan Dragons have pulled off a major coup by signing St Helens and England stand-off Leon Pryce on a three-year contract.
French club thrilled as they land first English player
Catalan Dragons have pulled off a major coup by signing St Helens and England stand-off Leon Pryce on a three-year contract.
The 29-year-old is the French club's first English signing since they entered Super League in 2006 and was out of contract with Saints at the end of the season.
Pryce is Catalan coach Trent Robinson's second major deal for 2012 following the capture of Louis Anderson and he said: "One of our targets for 2012 was an England international who has the ability to change a match and Leon definitely fits these criteria.
"We are looking forward to his contribution to the progression of rugby league at the Dragons.
"He will be the first British Lion to play for the club and should be commended on his courage to make the step across the Channel."
Major breakthrough
Catalan chairman Bernard Guasch hailed the signing as a major breakthrough in his club's bid for major honours.
"After that of Stacey Jones, the signing of Leon Pryce is one of the high points of our history," he said.
"This is one of our biggest recruits in six years and is a great honour for the club. The signing is recognition that six years of hard work have gained us the trust of major players like Leon Pryce.
"It is also our first signing of an English player since we joined the Super League and we are proud that it is a player of the calibre of Leon Pryce.
"His arrival, along with that of Louis Anderson, should allow us to have greater ambitions, to aim even higher next season."
Mixed emotions
Pryce admits to having mixed emotions about leaving St Helens, saying: "I have had a great time at Saints and have nothing but brilliant memories of the club and the team.
"I have been a part of several trophy-winning sides and it has been an honour to play with so many great players and teams over the years.
"I would also like to thank the fans for their support. They have been nothing but top class in my time at the Saints."
