Dragons snap up Blanch

Ireland winger Damien Blanch has agreed a two-year deal to join the Catalans Dragons from Wakefield.

Irish international heads to France

Ireland winger Damien Blanch has agreed a two-year deal to join the Catalans Dragons from Wakefield. The 27-year-old has scored 31 tries in 52 appearances for the Wildcats - with Blanch having previously played for Widnes and Castleford. However the Dragons believe the Australian-born winger will bolster the club's back division - particularly as Dimitri Pelo is switching to rugby union and Steven Bell has retired. "He is a really good finisher and will definitely bring a lot of pace to the team," said Catalans general manager Christophe Levy. "Dimitri Pelo and Steven Bell have left the club and Chris Walker has an uncertain future with us so it was important to strengthen our backline." Blanch is the latest signing by new coach Trent Robinson, with Scott Dureau, Ian Henderson, Jason Baitieri, Lopini Paea and Vincent Duport all agreeing deals to move to the Gilbert Brutus Stadium.