Catalans Dragons have signed today Pat Richards on a two-year contract from the start of the 2016 season.

The prolific goal kicker has scored almost 3000 points over 15 seasons in the NRL and Super League.

Pat Richards said: “I’m excited about coming back to the Super League and the new challenge of playing for the Catalans Dragons.”

“My family and I are also excited about living in and being a part of the French culture.”

Richards, 33, started his career at Parramatta in 2000 before moving to the Wests Tigers in 2004, where he won the 2005 Premiership title.

After 76 NRL appearances and 40 tries, he decided to join Wigan in 2006. His eight-year stint with the Warriors was a resounding success, winning two Super League titles and two Challenge Cup winners medals. He was awarded Man of Steel Award in 2010, when he finished as the season's top point scorer with 434 points.

Richards returned to Australia in 2014, returning to the Wests Tigers. He made 35 NRL appearances, scoring 19 tries and 264 points since his return.

He has also represented Ireland on 7 occasions, including at the World Cup, scoring 3 tries and scoring 34 points.

Catalans Dragons Headcoach Laurent Frayssinous said: “I’m delighted with the signing of Pat Richards.”

“We were looking for a player with a great experience, and, with more than 300 Super League and NRL appearances, he will help the team, especially the young players we have coming through like Fouad Yaha.”

“His ratio try per game proves he is a prolific try scorer and his place kicking is second to none.”

Pat Richards

Date of Birth: 27 February, 1982
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 99 kg
Position: Wing, Fullback,
Rep. Honours: 7 Tests for Ireland, 3 tries, 34 points
Previous Clubs: Parramatta Eels, Wigan Warriors, Wests Tigers
NRL Debut: Parramatta v Melbourne, Parramatta Stadium, Rd 14, 05/05/2000
NRL Stats: Parramatta Eels (2000-03) : 37 appearances, 14 tries, 64 points | Wests Tigers (2004-05, 2014-15) : 74 appearances, 45 tries, 368 points | Wigan Warriors (2006 à 2013) : 224 appearances, 167 tries, 2462 points
Honours: NRL : 2005 | Super League : 2010, 2013 | Challenge Cup : 2011, 2013
Individual awards: 2010 : Man Of Steel Award, Albert Goldthorpe Medal, RLIF Winger Of The Year
Super League top points scorer in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010
Super League top try scorer in 2010