Glenn Stewart: Catalans to sign South Sydney Rabbitohs back-row

Glenn Stewart played five Tests for Australia

South Sydney Rabbitohs have allowed back-rower Glenn Stewart to end his NRL contract early at the end of the 2015 season to join Catalans Dragons.

Stewart, 31, will link up with the Perpignan club, who have also signed Pat Richards, Justin Horo and Dave Taylor from the NRL for next season.

He joined Souths in 2014, ending a nine-year stay at Manly.

"We were looking for an experienced player to complete our staff," head coach Laurent Frayssinous said.

"It is great news for the club to attract a player of Glenn's calibre. He will bring his offensive and defensive qualities to the team and his leadership and experience of the highest level."

South Sydney made the NRL finals by finishing seventh, and will play Cronulla Sharks with the losers dropping out of the competition.

Former Australia and New South Wales lock Stewart has made 17 appearances for the Bunnies during the current campaign.

"We have granted him the release," Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire said. "Glenn has done a fantastic job for us so far this year and his commitments to this club are not yet over."

Stewart added: "I'm grateful to the club for allowing me to take this opportunity next year, but that's next year, and we still have things we want to achieve this year."