Catalans Dragons have continued the major restructuring of their squad with the signing of Manly Sea Eagles back-row forward Justin Horo.
The 28-year-old Auckland-born Horo will join the French First Utility Super League club on a two-year contract from the start of the 2016 season.
Horo said: “I am pleased to have my future settled and look forward to joining the Catalans Dragons.
“I would like to thank those clubs who showed interest in me but after speaking to Laurent (Frayssinous) the coach and ex-team-mates currently at the Dragons I felt extremely comfortable in joining the club.”
Horo began his NRL career at Parramatta in 2010 and after making 52 appearances he decided at the start of the 2013 season to join the Eagles, for whom he made 115 appearances and scored 22 tries.
Horo, who played for the New Zealand Maoris against England in 2010, is the Catalans’ fifth major recruit for next season following the addition of former Wigan Warriors winger Pat Richards, England and Warrington Wolves scrum-half Richie Myler, Leeds Rhinos hooker Paul Aiton and experienced Australian prop Dave Taylor.
Frayssinous said: “The signing of Justin once again shows the ambitions of our club.
“He will bring his offensive and defensive qualities to the team and his profile corresponds to our philosophy. He is an aggressive player in defence and his power and his skills allow him to break the line and also to play in spaces.”