Six rising stars in the French game

Drew Darbyshire

Mathieu Laguerre in action for Catalans

We’ve picked out six of the hottest prospects in French rugby league right now.

Catalans youngster Arthur Mourgue produced a stellar performance to help the Dragons beat Wigan on Saturday, so we’ve picked out six rising stars in the French game right now…

Mathieu Laguerre

The 22-year-old, who hails from Marseille, burst onto the Super League scene earlier this year and produced a man of the match performance on his debut. Laguerre is a powerful centre who can also play on the wing. He has been included in the latest France training squad and will be hoping to play in the World Cup later this year.

Corentin Le Cam

Le Cam is yet to make his debut for Catalans, but you feel like it can’t be far away now. The 6ft 8in forward has been a standout for St Esteve, Catalans’ reserve team, for a couple of seasons now.

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Le Cam has been given the number 21 shirt at the Dragons for 2021, and has been included in their 21-man squad a couple of times. He is an explosive forward with good ball skills who will be hoping to play his part in the World Cup later this year after being included in the latest France training squad.

Cesar Rouge

Rouge is one of the brightest talents in the world right now, never mind France. He is a half-back who has all the ingredients to be a top player in the future.

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The talented youngster has yet to make his first team debut for Catalans but you feel he won’t be far away from making his mark on Super League. He has a fantastic kicking game and a great rugby brain.

Lucas Albert

The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Catalans and made more than 50 first team appearances for the club before joining hometown club Carcassonne in 2020 in a bid to get regular game time.

Albert impressed for the Canaries in the French Elite Championship and then linked up with Championship side Toulouse. Albert has already won five caps for France and is a tidy half-back or hooker. He will be hoping to play in his second World Cup later this year.

Corentin Rey

The young full-back or winger is a joy to watch. He first caught our eye at the 2019 Magique Weekend, where he inspired Avignon to a win over Palau in Carcassonne.

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Rey has got heaps of potential and has been a standout star in the French Elite Championship for a couple of seasons now. He is an international player in the making.

Arthur Mourgue

Mourgue has flourished every time he has been given the opportunity by Catalans coach Steve McNamara. The 22-year-old full-back or half-back made his first team debut for the Dragons back in 2018 against Warrington.

The Saint-Etienne-born has made six appearances for the Dragons in Super League this season, making five clean breaks and busting 25 tackles from 47 carries. He represented France in the Nines World Cup in 2019 and he will surely be knocking on the door to be included in Laurent Frayssinous’ World Cup squad this autumn.


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