Toulouse extend contract of star halfback

Toulouse Olympique have confirmed that long-serving halfback Johnathon Ford has signed a new two-year contract extension.

The deal will see the 31-year-old enter his tenth year at the club, having initially joined from Sydney Roosters in 2011 after making three NRL appearances.

A Cook Islands international, he has since gone on to become one of Toulouse’ most influential players, making 175 appearances and scoring 49 tries.

“I am very happy to stay at Toulouse,” Ford said. “I am here with the objective of being the best player, teammate and person possible and to continue this adventure. I thank all those who have made this possible.”

Toulouse chairman Bernard Sarrazain added: “Johno is an essential part of our club and we are convinced that he is one of the keys to reaching the Super League.

“He is an exemplary professional, a very pleasant man, and we can only look forward to continuing with him (in the squad).”