Scotland star to join up with countryman in medical joker move

The lock makes the move from Bordeaux as a "medical joker", with Perpignan drafting him in as cover for an injury crisis, which includes the absence of Ritchie after he was injured against England in the Six Nations.

They said: "USAP and its president Francois Riviere are delighted to announce the arrival of Jonny Gray as a medical joker until the end of the season from Union Bordeaux Begles.

"Jonny comes to bolster our pack in the second row with all his experience.

"Welcome to Catalonia."

Meanwhile, a statement issued by Bordeaux confirmed the move has been made at the Gray's request, which means he has played his last game for the club.

The former Glasgow Warriors man is out of contract with the European champions at the end of the current campaign.

It has been a frustrating season for the 32-year-old, who has started just five games and did not feature for Scotland during the Six Nations despite injuries to locks Scott Cummings and Gregor Brown ruling them out of the finale against Ireland.

He did, though, captain Scotland 'A' against an Italian XV at the start of February.

Gray's final appearance for Bordeaux Begles, came on January 24, where he started in a 28-33 loss to Stade Francais.

The 81-times capped Scotland international is swapping the top of the table for the bottom as Perpignan bid to avoid relegation from the Top 14. 

They sit second-bottom but have a 12-point cushion from basement side Montauban, who have won just once all season and look destined for the drop.

They are likely to be replaced in the Top 14 by Vannes, the runaway Pro D2 leaders who have Scotland hooker Dave Cherry among their ranks.

But Gray, Ritchie and Perpignan are still facing the prospect of playing the ‘access match’ against the runner-up of PRO D2 to avoid relegation from the top flight.

He is expected to go straight into the mix as Perpignan face Toulon on Saturday.