You are in > manchester.com  > News > Cusiter to join Perpignon

Rugby Union

Cusiter to join Perpignon

18/04/2007

Border Reivers and Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter has announced his intention to join French league side Perpignon next season.

The 24-year-old, who has 31 caps for Scotland and was selected for the 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand, will sign a two-year deal in France.

He said the move was prompted by the impending closure of the Scottish club and that "the prospect of playing for a big club like Perpignan, who have a great set-up and a massive following, was too good to turn down".

Cusiter is one of a number of highly-rated players on the books of the doomed Scottish club side to be looking for a new club next season after the Scotland RFU announced they would be winding up the Borders side at the end of the year.

According to several sources, the Lowlands outfit are no longer "financially viable", with debts stretching into the millions of pounds, leaving Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors as the only two Scottish club sides.

"I've been with the Borders for four years now and the club has been really good to me," Cusiter continued.

"Over the past few seasons, I've done my best to try and give something back to both the club and the community for the support they've given me.

"I have met a lot of great people in the Borders and had the honour of playing alongside some very talented players.

"I have also been lucky enough to have worked with some great coaches like Tony Gilbert, Rob Moffat and Steve Bates who have all had a big influence on my career. I'm very grateful for all that they have done for me over the years.

"The Borders gave me my start in professional rugby so I owe them a lot. I'm now setting my sights on getting into the Scotland squad for the World Cup before joining my new club."

© Adfero Ltd