Luke Charteris joins Racing Metro from Perpignan on a two-year deal

Wales lock Luke Charteris has joined Racing Metro on a two-year deal.

The former Newport Gwent Dragons player moves from Perpignan after they were relegated from France's Top 14.

Charteris, capped 46 times, joins fellow Wales players Dan Lydiate, Mike Phillips and Jamie Roberts in Paris.

The 31-year-old, who left the Dragons at the end of the 2011-12 season, is part of the Wales squad in South Africa for a two-Test summer series, which begins in Durban on 14 June.

Perpignan's relegation was confirmed when they were beaten 25-22 by Clermont Auvergne and Oyonnax earned a losing bonus point in a 19-17 defeat at Brive. Biarritz also went down.

Charteris was one of a number of signings announced by the French side.

Montpellier's versatile back Yoan Audrin, Munster centre Casey Laulala and Super 15 side Toyota Cheetahs' fly-half Johan Goosen have moved to the French capital.

Biarritz wing Teddy Thomas and second row Thibault Dubarry have also joined, as have a trio of players from Castres Olympique - full-back Brice Dulin, prop Anton Peikrishvili and number eight Antonie Claassen.

Charteris, capped 46 times, is in South Africa with Wales preparing for the match against Eastern Province Kings on 10 June in Port Elizabeth.

The second Test against South Africa is on 21 June in Nelspruit.