Monday 17 October 2016 18:22, UK
Catalans Dragons have signed Hull KR centre Iain Thornley on a two-year deal which will begin at the start of the 2017 season.
The 25-year-old came through the Wigan Academy before switching to rugby union and having a spell with Sale Sharks.
He then returned to Wigan and helped the Warriors win the Challenge Cup and Grand Final in 2013, before moving on to Hull KR for the 2015 campaign.
However, he was unable to prevent the Robins from suffering Super League relegation after they endured an agonising defeat to Salford in the Million Pound Game, and his contract became void following their drop into the Championship.
He becomes the third Hull KR player to sign with a Super League side and just the fifth Englishman to sign for the Dragons in their 10-year history.
"I am very excited to be joining the Catalans Dragons and doing my best for the team," said Thornley.
"It's a new lifestyle and culture for me and my family, and we are looking forward to it.
"I just want to thank Catalans for this opportunity and I can't wait to get started, ready for the new season."
Catalans Dragons head coach Laurent Frayssinous said: "Iain is one of the best English centres of his generation and I am really satisfied with his signing.
"This young player will be a great addition to our 2017 squad. His offensive qualities and his versatility will add value to the team.
"He's got plenty of experience of playing the big games, as he played in the Grand Final and Challenge Cup final and won those games."
Leon Pryce, Elliott Whitehead, Richie Myler and Jodie Broughton are the only other Englishmen to join the Perpignan club since their formation in 2006.
