Super League club Catalans Dragons have confirmed the signing of Gold Coast Titans forward Dave Taylor on a two-year deal starting in 2016.
Although contracted to the Titans through until the end of the 2016 season, Taylor and his management were given permission to look elsewhere for an opportunity with the former Test and Origin star rejecting offers from other NRL clubs to move to France.
Runner-up in the Titans' player of the year voting in 2014, Taylor has found it difficult to find his best on a consistent basis under Neil Henry, dropped to the Intrust Super Cup a fortnight ago where he scored two tries playing for Tweed Heads.
He will likely be a sensation in the more open style of rugby league found in the Super League and said he and his family are looking forward to the new chapter in their lives.
"I'm really excited about this next phase of my playing career and can't wait to join the Catalans Dragons," Taylor told the Catalans website.
"I have always had a desire to play in the Super League and I can't think of a better side to be playing for. My wife Ash and our two young daughters are extremely excited about the opportunity to live in such a wonderful city like Perpignan.
"It will also be amazing for us to be able to enjoy the culture of such an amazing country like France together as a family.
"I can’t wait to run out on the pitch next season in front of the supporters and do my best to hopefully win some silverware for the Catalans Dragons."
Currently preparing to face St Helens in Week One of the Super 8s finals series, Catalans head coach Laurent Frayssinous said the signing of Taylor was not only a milestone for the club but for Super League as a whole.
"The signing of Dave Taylor is fantastic news for the club and the competition," Frayssinous said. "We are delighted to be able to attract such a quality player to the Super League.
"He will help us to make one step forward thanks to his experience at the very top level.
"His speed, agility and capacity to offload combined with his size will make him a good weapon for us."
Taylor made his debut as a 17-year-old for the Brisbane Broncos in 2006 and has played a total of 165 NRL games for the Broncos, Rabbitohs and Titans as well as a lone Test in 2012 and eight Origin matches for Queensland.
