Toulouse Olympique is making a statement! They're gearing up for their Super League return in 2026, and they're not holding back. This ambitious club has just announced their seventh signing of the off-season, signaling their intent to make a splash. But who is this new player? Let's dive in!
After solidifying permanent deals for Brendan Hands and AJ Wallace, along with bringing in Luke Polselli from London Broncos and the speedy Mathieu Pons from Oldham, Toulouse is building a formidable squad. They've also welcomed Henry O’Kane from South Sydney Rabbitohs and secured Tyler Dupree on a season-long loan from Wigan.
Now, they've added another key piece to their puzzle: international half-back Cesar Rouge. This is where it gets interesting... Rouge, a Frenchman, is joining from the Catalans Dragons, bringing both international experience and much-needed depth to Toulouse's playmaking options.
Rouge has signed a one-year deal and is eager to get more playing time. He honed his skills through the Dragons' youth system and made his Super League debut in 2021, the same year Catalans clinched the League Leaders Shield.
With 56 top-flight appearances under his belt, 15 of which were in 2025, Rouge has proven his worth. During that season, he scored two tries and kicked four goals. On the international stage, he's represented France seven times, scoring three tries. One of those appearances was in the 2022 World Cup, where France faced a tough defeat against Samoa.
Sylvain Houles, the Toulouse boss, expressed his excitement about the new signing, stating, “An opportunity presented itself with César and we seized it very quickly. César will complete our squad at halfback, and I am very excited to see what he will bring us in our TO colours.”
Rouge himself is equally enthusiastic: “Very happy to join Toulouse Olympique and seize this opportunity! I can’t wait to see my French friends again, meet my new teammates and the fans. I’m eager to start working to defend these new colours. Go Toulouse!”
This signing certainly raises the stakes for Toulouse. Do you think Rouge will be a key player for them? What impact do you foresee him having on the team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
