Tevita Pangai Jr attracting fresh interest following Warrington Wolves snub

Interest is mounting in former Catalans Dragons forward Tevita Pangai Jr after making the switch to rugby union.

Pangai Jr was due to join Warrington Wolves for the 2026 Super League season after penning terms to join Sam Burgess’ side from Catalans.

However, the 29-year-old informed the Wolves in October that he would not be joining the club with the forward keen to stay in France with his pregnant partner.

He is now in the process of making the switch over to rugby union and last month he joined 6th tier French outfit SC Leucate. The deal would allow him to play in the 15-man code while his registration with the French Rugby Federation to be approved.

Reports at the time claimed Pangai Jr was in talks over a move to Racing Club Narbonnais in the third tier, but it has now emerged that the former New South Wales man has been training with Biarritz Olympique.

The forward is on trial with the second division side, with a report claiming that he could be seen as a back row or centre option moving forward. However, a contract has not been signed with Pangai Jr also attracting interest from Top 14 outfits.

That’s according to a France Bleu report, which claims that Lyon and Paris have also made contact with the players representatives.

Signing a deal with one of the above clubs would mean Pangai Jr has competed professionally in three different sports, having left rugby league to pursue a boxing career in 2023.

He had five fights as a heavyweight, winning four and losing one, before heading back to rugby league in 2024.

Pangai Jr started his career at Brisbane Broncos and represented Penrith Panthers, Canterbury Bulldogs and Dolphins before joining Catalans for the 2025 season. He made 23 appearances for the French side and scored four tries.

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