Top 14: Dino Lamb should join the USAP as a medical joker, a second player still sought after

The USAP should see its workforce strengthen in the coming hours. The Catalan club has reached an agreement with Dino Lamb (26 ans, 1,99 m, 121 kg)versatile second/third line, for a signing as a medical joker. He still has to reach an agreement with his club Harlequins, currently 7th in the English championship.

The Italian international (9 caps) – born in England, but of an Italian father – has great experience at high level. He played his first professional match with the Quins at the age of 19, and has since played 88 games between the Premiership and the Champions Cup. Note that he came on as a substitute in the Premiership final won by Harlequins in 2021 against Exeter (40-38).

This season, he took part in three autumn meetings with the Squadra Azzurra, including two starts at number 5 against Georgia and New Zealand. He also played in the World Cup in France in 2023, also starting against the All Blacks. A hardworking, rough player and big defender (93.3% success this season), Dino Lamb comes to strengthen the Catalan second line, knowing that he can also play as number 6.

A second joker approaching

Beyond Dino Lamb, USAP is still trying to recruit a second player for now. Perpignan leaders still hope to be able to enlist Mattéo Le Corvec (23 years old, 1.92 m, 111 kg)who will, in any case, join the USAP for the next three seasons next summer. But the file is complicated, because RC Toulon is currently counting on him. He also started at Aimé-Giral last Saturday, and should continue this weekend against the Stormers in the European Cup.

The blood and gold club has also positioned itself on Matías Alemanno (33 years old, 1.99 m, 117 kg). A very experienced player (97 caps with Argentina), contacts between the current Gloucester player and the USAP are not new. A versatile 5 and 4 profile, he notably played in three World Cups with the Pumas (17 matches). He also has the advantage of knowing the local Argentines Jerónimo de la Fuente, Joaquín Oviedo and Ignacio Ruiz well. But his club does not intend to release him for the moment. For now or for next season, to replace Marvin Orie who will not be retained, contacts between Alemanno and USAP do exist.