The New Zealand international, record holder for tries scored in Super Rugby, should join Catalonia even in the event of relegation of Usap.
A huge blow on the transfer market. Perpignan has indeed enlisted Sevu Reece, the All Blacks winger (28 years old, 36 caps), for next season, according to information from France 3 and of The Team . President François Rivière announced, during the press conference before the Challenge Cup match against the Welsh Dragons, “a recruit who will saw more than one. Which proves that Usap remains a club that attracts a lot. Stating that it was a “international recruit, non-JIFF”.
A transfer confirmed this Wednesday by the Perpignan president. “I am delighted with this exceptional recruitment, proof that despite a difficult start to the season, Usap maintains remarkable sporting and territorial attractiveness, declared François Rivière to AFP. And proof, if any were needed, of the relentless desire to keep us in the Top 14.” According to The Teamhe would join Usap until 2029 even in the event of relegation of the Catalan club, currently bottom of the Top 14 without any victory after 11 days (only one defensive bonus point).
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The Crusaders player is the record holder for tries scored in Super Rugby (66), the franchise competition in the southern hemisphere. During the November tour, Reece scored a double for the All Blacks against Wales. A New Zealand international since 2019, the winger of Fijian origin hit the headlines at the start of his international career for acts of domestic violence. Women’s rights associations criticized his call-up to the All Blacks, just a year after appearing for violence against his partner.
Dismissed by Connacht after domestic violence case
Reece pleaded guilty and had to pay a fine, but no conviction was recorded as his lawyer argued it could end his sporting career. In the process, the Irish province of Connacht – which he was to join – had ended his contract and he returned to New Zealand, where he had arrived at 17 from the Fiji Islands, to bounce back with the Crusaders.
Sevu Reece participated in the 2019 World Cup in Japan (defeat in the semi-final against England) but had to withdraw from the 2023 World Cup in France, due to a ruptured cruciate ligament in one knee.
