Bawden is a former Melbourne Storm player

The 30-year-old Australian has agreed a two-year deal with the Perpignan-based French club, who have been earmarked for a place in British rugby league's top flight in 2005.

UTC's new coach Steve Deakin, who worked with Bawden during his time as assistant coach at London in 2002, said: "The boost to the club and the squad of signing somebody of Russ' quality will help us achieve our goals."

Bawden, one of the few players to have made 100 appearances in both Super League and the NRL, said: "This is the third expansion club I have joined and, when Steve put the offer to me, I did not want to miss out."