Catalans duo sign contract extensions

Drew Darbyshire

Catalans duo Paul Seguier and Benjamin Jullien have signed new deals with the French club.

Prop Seguier, 23, has signed a new one-year contract with the Dragons. He has made 27 appearances since making his first team debut back in 2016.

Seguier said: “First, I would like to thank Bernard Guasch and Steve McNamara for trusting me with this new one-year contract. I am very excited to work hard and to play every weekend.”

Catalans coach Steve McNamara said: “We are very happy with Paul’s development and progression. He is a great kid who has really improved on the field whilst becoming professional off the field also. We look forward to seeing his progression continue.”

France international Jullien has also signed a new one-year deal with Catalans. He has made 61 Super League appearances for the Dragons and helped them win the Challenge Cup in 2018.

Jullien, who grew up in Avignon, played for his hometown club before moving to North Wales Crusaders and then Warrington. He has won 14 caps for France and represented his country in the 2017 World Cup.

Jullien said: “I am very happy to have the trust of the staff for another year. I will continue to work hard for the club and the fans.”

McNamara added: “Benjamin has proved his value to the team with some very good performances. He goes about his work quietly but efficiently and will continue to grow within our team.”

Seguier and Jullien will both remain with the Dragons until at least the end of the 2022 season.

Meanwhile, Catalans half-back James Maloney has announced that he will retire from professional rugby league at the end of the season, and has been linked with a move to Lezignan.

Maloney said: “I’ve had a lot of fun and been very fortunate to have a long career that has given me and my family so many opportunities.”