Tongan international prop Sona Taumalolo has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with Perpignan from Super 15 side Waikato Chiefs, the French Top 14 side announced on Wednesday.

Taumalolo, 30, scored an impressive eight tries for New Zealand side Chiefs in the ongoing season and says he is looking forward to discovering the Gallic version of the game with the 2010 champions.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what French rugby is really like,” he said after signing his contract on Wednesday.

“I know that here the scrum and the physical side is quite important.

“I’m here to learn and to try and improve every aspect of my game.

“Perpignan is an ambitious club, so it’s a challenge for me.”

Taumalolo will join up with fellow Tongan international and fellow lock Kisi Pulu at the Catalan club.

Perpignan, who finished 11th of 14 last season, will be coached next season by Marc Delpoux who has signed 10 players including Tongan-born New Zealander Lifeimi Mafi, Englishman Luke Narraway and Scotsman Alasdair Strokosch.