Emmitt off to France, Toulouse deny Curran exit talk, Anderson to return home – French round-up

James Gordon

All the latest from France, in partnership with TreizeMondial.fr

Emmitt joins Carcassonne

Leigh forward Jacob Emmitt will move to Carcassonne for when the French season starts in November. He joined the Centurions from Toronto Wolfpack earlier this season, and will play in the Elite 1 Championship.

Toulouse deny Curran talk

Magic Weekend Toronto v Toulouse 19 May at St James Park Newcastle

Toulouse have denied speculation that Australian back-rower Rhys Curran is joining London Broncos. It was reported in the trade papers that he was going to move to the Broncos, but Toulouse say he is under contract for 2020 and so London cannot negotiate a deal with him.

Pia show ambition

Pia Baroudeurs, who are set for their second season back in Elite 2 Championship, are keen to get back to the top flight as quickly as possible, and have been busy with recruitment, signing 15 new players. Their recent recruits include Palau pair Maxime Scimone and Marc Meye. Pia were French champions as recently as 2013, and have played in the Challenge Cup.

27 players in France squad

Coach Aurelien Cologni has named a group of 27 players for the French team. The group will train at the end of August. Most of the selected players are from Catalans, Toulouse or are England-based. Only five players play in the French Elite: Bastien Canet, Joan Guasch, Saloty Mendy, Hugo Salabio and Vincent Albert.

Louis Anderson returns home

Former Catalans and Warrington forward Louis Anderson is returning home to New Zealand. He has spent a few months with VARL, the team coached by his brother Vinnie, but he has now decided to go home with his family.

Palau recruit former Dragon

Palau Broncos have signed experienced front-rower Jamal Fakir. Fakir, 36, played 144 times for Catalans in Super League and also played for Bradford, as well as winning 30 caps for France. He has most recently been with Lezignan. Also joining Palau is Paco Jamil, who has played for Carcassonne and Lezignan.