Jordan Petaia brings NFL dream to an end with Top 14 move

Australia international Jordan Petaia has brought his attempt to play in the NFL to a close by signing for Top 14 outfit Perpignan ahead of next season.

The 25-year-old joined the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) programme at the beginning of 2025, a year after Wales’ Louis Rees-Zammit made the same move.

However, unlike Rees-Zammit, who spent a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars before signing for Bristol Bears this month, the 31-cap Australia centre has instead sealed a return to rugby union after seven months.

The Wallaby had been signed by the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year deal as a tight end, but was waived after picking up a minor hamstring injury, before being retained on the side’s injured reserves list.

Fixture

Top 14

Perpignan

19 - 26

Full-time

Bayonne

All Stats and Data

He has now opted to return to rugby with a Perpignan side that narrowly avoided relegation last season, beating Grenoble 13-11 in the demotion decider.

To avoid similar struggles in the upcoming season, Perpignan have brought in a number of recruits, including former Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie and Fiji flanker Peceli Yato, but Petaia is the headline signing ahead of the new campaign.

“USAP and its president François Rivière are proud to announce the signing of a new recruit for this season,” Perpignan shared in a statement on social media. “The Australian international with 31 selections and participation in two World Cups at just 25 years old.”

Just days before his NFL exit was confirmed, Petaia shared this message on Instagram: “Man injuries suck, but they’re all a part of the game. Blessed to be able to be living this life, chasing dreams we grew up speaking about. Time to get healthy. Excited to see what’s on the cards next…”

The signing is also a major coup for Australian rugby, with two seasons to go before they host the World Cup.

Perpignan get their Top 14 season underway at home against Bayonne on September 6.