Strauss joins Stade Francais

TRANSFER NEWS: Stade Francais have announced the arrival of Scotland international Josh Strauss as a medical joker for at least a three-month period.

The 32-year-old South African earned his last Test cap just last Saturday when coming off the bench in Scotland’s win over Georgia in Tbilisi.

However, he was deemed surplus to requirement by Gregor Townsend when the Scots named their World Cup squad on Tuesday and he has now been snapped up on a short-term deal by the Top 14 Parisians. Strauss had been playing in recent times for Sale in the Premiership.

"We have several absentees in our squad following injuries or players selected for the World Cup," explained Heyneke Meyer, the Stade Francais coach, about his successful approach for Strauss.

"We have therefore been looking for an experienced profile to overcome the youth of our group. Josh has played for the Scottish national team, has a lot of experience, but most of all, he’s going to give us his leadership. I’m glad he joins the club."

Strauss said: "This challenge is really exciting in this period of the World Cup. It’s a great opportunity in my career and in my life.

"Everything happened very quickly. I had to make a quick decision and I’m very happy to be here. I already worked with Heyneke Meyer and I already know some players in the team. I’m very happy to join the Stade Francais Paris."

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Photo: @SFParisRugby