Toulouse make fifth signing in bid to return to Super League

Toulouse Olympique have announced the signing of Welsh international half-back Josh Ralph.

The talented 25-year-old has most recently represented the Canterbury Bulldogs and having been born on the Gold Coast, he qualified for the Welsh national team via a grandparent.

He’s signed for the French side who will bid to return to the Super League after their maiden campaign saw them relegated with just five wins.

A Toulouse statement reads: “Toulouse Olympique are very pleased to introduce their fifth signing: Australian halfback and Wales International Joshua Ralph.

“We will have to wait until early January to see the new Olympian half-back join his teammates in training.”

Ralph represented Wales in the recent World Cup and has seven appearances having also played in the 2017 tournament, aged just 20.

🚨 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬 🚨

Le TO XIII signe le demi australien 𝑱𝑶𝑺𝑯 𝑹𝑨𝑳𝑷𝑯 pour la saison 2023 ✍

Bienvenue @joshralph_7 🙌

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🇫🇷 https://t.co/QSJJFCTYUi
🇬🇧 https://t.co/3g670bpb4V#TOgether 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/cYtHQwL2ee

— Toulouse Olympique XIII (@TOXIII) December 2, 2022

Toulouse Head Coach Sylvain Houles commented: “It is, to be honest, the halfback we were looking for. On the offensive level, he attacks the line well, he shows speed and brings a lot of uncertainty.

“On a human level, he shows great maturity for his 25 years, he has studied our project well and he has in mind to bring us back.”

Houles is of course referring to Super League, but the French outfit will have a tough task to seek promotion for the second time in three years as the Championship is looking stronger than ever.

Toulouse have lost star winger Matty Russell who has returned to his former club Warrington and was one of the side’s star players last year, recording 13 tries.

Ralph will bring creativity and will pair with Jake Shorrocks in the halves to try to secure the Olympians their Super League aspirations.

Club president Bernard Sarrazain spoke on Ralph: “We are very happy to see Josh join our ranks and look forward to welcoming him to Toulouse. We were eagerly looking for a halfback to complete our group, and he fits on a sporting level but also a human level, to fit what we wanted.”

Interestingly both coach and president reference his human elements but fans got to hear from Ralph too.

“I am feeling very excited to join this great club and take on this experience with my family by my side. I think leaving your comfort zone forces you to do the things required to be successful. I look forward to the challenge ahead this coming season and have no doubt it will be a successful one.”