Scotland lock switches clubs after requesting exit and swaps title bid for relegation scrap

The 32-year-old requested the move after finding his game-time had become limited in recent weeks, bringing an early end to his spell with the reigning European champions, who he joined in July 2024 following his departure from Exeter Chiefs.

Perpignan, who are facing the threat of relegation, have recruited Gray as a medical joker following injuries to key players including Scotland team-mate Jamie Ritchie, who fractured his leg in the Calcutta Cup victory over England last month.

As part of the shake-up, 22-year-old fly-half Hugo Reus is moving in the opposite direction. Reus, who had already agreed to join Bordeaux in the summer, moves early as a medical joker to provide cover for injured Joey Carbery.

Gray, who has 81 caps and was part of Scotland’s Six Nations squad but did not play, will be thrust straight into a relegation fight with Perpignan.

The Catalan outfit are currently 13th in the Top 14 table, 22 points from safety, and will face a play-off to retain their top tier status against the runner-up of Pro D2 if they do not climb above their current position in the seven matches remaining. They are 12 points above bottom-placed Montauban in the bid to avoid automatic relegation to the second tier.

Gray’s last appearance for Bordeaux came on January 24, when he started in a 28-33 loss to Stade Francais at home at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Perpignan face Toulon this weekend in the Top 14.