LEIGH Centurions have signed French international hooker Eloi Pelissier from Catalans Dragons on a two year contract to the end of November 2018.

A product of the Dragons academy, Perpigan born Pelissier, 25, had trials with Wigan's U18s in 2008 and played for St-Esteve in the French championship before making his Super League debut in 2011.

In each of the past five seasons he has been a regular in the Dragons' line-up, scoring 27 tries in 144 top flight appearances.

A regular in the French international side since making his debut against Wales at Wrexham in 2012, he made three appearances for his country in the 2013 World Cup.

He joins former Catalans team-mates Willie Tonga, Glenn Stewart and Antoni Maria at LSV as Leigh Centurions prepare for Super League in 2017.

Leigh Centurions Head Coach Neil Jukes said: "You don't play that amount of Super League games by a fluke and he is someone who has always caught my eye. But I do believe that there is a lot more to come from him and all the coaching staff are really looking forward to working with Eloi and bringing out the best in him.

"Eloi will add a lot to what is already a quality department and he will bring a lot of ability, energy and passion to the squad and we look forward to embracing him into our group."

Leigh Centurions Owner Derek Beaumont said: "Eloi is a proven player at the highest level and is very passionate and lively and is known as a tough customer.

"Micky Higham has been immense this year and will continue to be so. Liam Hood has also shown what he is capable of, especially in the qualifiers and Lewis Foster is maturing nicely and looks to have a good future ahead as he continues to develop in a full time environment.

"The 9 spot is such a key position and one we don’t want to be left short in should we sustain injuries. It also gives Jukesy the opportunity to rotate players, something which he did very well this year and paid dividends in the end.

"We are well aware how tough backing up week in week out will be in Super League games at that intensity and the signing of Eloi will certainly make withstanding that more achievable."