Portugal lock José Madeira targeted for Top 14 switch

USA Perpignan are already making changes for next season, despite not yet knowing whether they will be in the Top 14 or Pro D2, with Portugal’s José Madeira under consideration by the Catalan club.

The 48-cap international has been in talks with Perpignan for several weeks, but a deal remains some way off. A source close to the club said the Catalans are determined to persuade the 24-year-old to join and hope to add him to their squad in June.

RugbyPass understands several Pro D2 sides and one Top 14 club are also interested in the Portuguese international, but Perpignan currently lead the race.

Madeira arrived in France in 2020 to join FC Grenoble’s espoirs but was quickly promoted to the senior side and made his Pro D2 debut in September that year. Since then, the former Belenenses Rugby utility forward has earned more than 80 caps and become one of the club’s co-captains.

At international level, Madeira made his Portugal debut in 2019 and quickly became a regular in Patrice Lagisquet’s matchday 23. The lock missed Portugal’s opening match at the World Cup through injury but started the remaining three games, playing a key role in the historic win over Fiji.

In 2026, Madeira captained the Lobos while Tomás Appleton recovered from injury.

His potential arrival in Perpignan could be brought forward following Jamie Ritchie’s injury. The Scotland forward was replaced at half-time against England and is expected to be sidelined for two to three months.

As reported earlier, a deal is not yet complete, but FC Grenoble have confirmed that Madeira will not renew his contract and will become a free agent in June. Cody Thomas of Portugal and former Lion Hanru Singrel will also leave the club at the end of the season.