Luke Charteris switches to Perpignan – Rugby News Update
Luke Charteris, the 29-year-old Lock has finally made his switch from the Dragons to Perpignan, a move that was being anticipated for a long time.
After Charteris had a successful 2011 Rugby World Cup, rumours were rife that he will join the Top 14 League, but it took another six months for the deal to be announced officially.
"James spoke to me a lot about the club, the spirit of the squad but also the passionate nature of the supporters and the charming way of life here," Charteris said. "Perpignan is an ambitious club, it is for me an occasion to discover a new championship,
certainly the best in the world, a new style of play, and a team very committed to being combative.”
Charteris has signed on a three-year deal with the Catalan club, and he will join up with fellow Wales colleague, Hook. The Wales international stands at 6 feet 9 inches, and plays in a combative style which should suit his new club. After impressing for
the Newport Gwent Dragons in the Magners League, he received his first test call up by Wales in 2004.
He made his Wales debut against South Africa at the Millennium Stadium on the 6th of November 2004, but when the 2006 Six Nations tournament came along, he was an unused substitute.
Speaking about his move to a new club, he cites that a new challenge excites him and it is about the quality of the league.
"More and more Welsh players are attracted by the challenge of the Top 14. The quality of the championship and the talent of the squads weigh heavily on their choice."
Another colleague who might join him in the Top 14 is Alex Cuthbert, and like Charteris, his transfer saga is turning into a soap opera with Richard Holland, the CEO of the Blues laying down the marker. He has clarified that they have made the best possible
offer and he does not know why the player is not putting pen to paper.
No matter what the fate of Cuthbert holds, Chartetis will most certainly play in the Top 14 next season, and the Perpignan have secured an outstanding talent.
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