Is Johnathan Ford’s departure a chance for Tony Gigot to shine?

Newly promoted side Toulouse confirmed the departure of long-standing player Johnathan Ford, but could that departure allow Tony Gigot the chance to shine in 2022?

Gigot joined the French side in the middle of the 2021 season after a brief stint with Avignon in the French Elite League. He made 11 appearances in the season as Toulouse booked their place in the Super League.

Before then, he made his name with Catalans, and has also had spells with London, Toronto and Wakefield, as well as a brief stint in Australia.

Gigot helps Catalans to cup glory

In his first spell with the club, Gigot made 25 appearances for the club, before signing for Avignon ahead of the 2012 season.

After a couple of years away, including a brief spell with London Broncos in 2014, Gigot returned to the Dragons and managed to hold down a regular spot with the club.

During his second spell at the club, he made over 100 appearances for the club, and took part in the club’s most famous day in 2018.

Not only did Gigot play, but he also put in a Lance Todd Trophy winning performance as Catalans beat Warrington 20-14 to lift the Challenge Cup. This was Catalans first major trophy.

However, a year later, he left the Dragons after failing to agree a new deal.

Toronto and subsequent fallout

After starting the 2020 season without a club, he then signed for Toronto on a trial period. He played four games before the coronavirus pandemic struck, and Toronto were subsequently kicked out of the Super League.

Upon the restart of the Super League season, Gigot signed for Wakefield. But he left the club after just making seven appearances for them.

He then started 2021 with Avignon, and played for the Elite League All Stars in a friendly against Catalans, before joining Toulouse.

Can Gigot shine on the Super League stage again?

Now Toulouse are back in the Super League, it gives Gigot the chance to play in the Super League again. Especially with Ford now departed, it could give Gigot a path to regular gametime.

The 31-year-old may well not have the same impact as he would at Catalans, but could still prove to be a useful player for Toulouse.

He is set to partner a former Dragons teammate, Lucas Albert. Both argubly have points to prove in the Super League, and could help each other reach their goals.

Gigot could make his first appearance back in the Super League in round one, as Toulouse welcome Huddersfield to the Stade Ernest Wallon.

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