Australian international centre Ryan Cross is to join French Top 14 side Perpignan as a cover for the World Cup, according to local media reports.

The 31-year-old, who has played eight Tests for the Wallabies but is not a part of their Tri-Nations squad or World Cup preparations, is expected in Perpignan on Tuesday.

He will play on a three-month contract while David Marty and Maxime Mermoz are in New Zealand with France and Jean-Philippe Grandclaude recovers from a knee injury.

Cross made his name in rugby league, spending eight seasons with the Sydney Roosters before switching codes in 2006.

He began his rugby union career with the newly-formed Western Force Super 14 franchise in Perth before joining the NSW Waratahs this season.

First capped by Australia in 2008, he scored four tries in eight Tests, including one that year in a 34-19 victory over the All Blacks.

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