Super League newcomers Toulouse Olympique have announced a new signing ahead of the 2026 season, and a French international will be joining the ranks ahead of next year.
The Sylvain Houles-led side have made very few signings since their Super League confirmation, with London Broncos playmaker Luke Polselli joining the club.
Brendan Hands has also made his loan move permanent, and he will join a Championship speedster, who has signed a deal to join his hometown club.
Oldham winger, Mathieu Pons, only started his rugby league career a couple of years ago, and represented St Gaudens in the French Elite 1 competition. There, he racked up 10 tries in 14 appearances for the club.
Last year saw him earn a Super League trial deal, signing for Hull KR, and whilst his top flight ambitions didn’t work out at the time, would earn a chance in the Championship with Halifax Panthers.
Signing for the West Yorkshire club on a 28-day contract, and it was there he made two of his nine Championship matches.
Going back to St Gaudens after that month, Pons then signed with the Roughyeds for the second half of 2025, and made seven appearances to end the season. Under Sean Long, he proved his worth, averaging a try every game.
Now, he has earned his Super League move on a full-time basis, with Toulouse taking a punt on the two-time French international.
Super League newcomers bring in speedster with “enormous potential” as club make third signing
Speaking on his move, Pons admitted he is proud to sign for his hometown club, and can’t wait to finally earn a Super League opportunity.
He said: “As a Toulouse native, I am very honoured to have the opportunity to take my first steps in the Super League with TO! I can’t wait to start training and give my all on the field!”
Boss Houles also commented on his new addition, and he can’t wait to have an emerging talent in his side.
He said: “We’ve been watching Mathieu for a few years now, and his progress has been phenomenal. He’s a very athletic, fast, powerful player with enormous potential for further improvement.
“We’re eager to work with him and see the Pons name back in the TO colors, since his father Cyril played for the Club shortly before the year 2000.”
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