Toulouse draft in Elite Championship pair for season opener at Barrow to be shown live

James Gordon
Robin Brochon

Picture by Laurent Selles/Catalan Dragons/SWpix.com

Toulouse have called up Robin Brochon and Pierre-Jean Lima for their Championship season opener against Barrow on Saturday.

It rules the pair out of the French Elite select side that is due to face Catalans Dragons in a pre-season friendly.

They have been replaced in that side by team-mate Justin Tropis, Lezignan’s Thomas Montclus and Salon’s Enzo Griffier. The select squad are due to meet up on Thursday for training under coach Maxime Greseque.

The game is free to attend for Catalans’ season ticket holders.

MORE: Catalans prepare for unique pre-season test

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Winger Lima, 22, is no stranger to the Championship having been part of the Toulouse squad from 2018 to 2020.

He has since been a regular for the in the French Elite Championship.

Former Catalans full-back Robin Brochon, also 22, made the switch to Toulouse’s Elite Championship side last year having previously been with Dragons’ reserve outfit St Esteve.

He made two appearances for the Catalans first team, making his Super League debut against Warrington in 2018.

Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles has added the pair for the trip to Barrow, which will be broadcast live via the Our League app.

He was only able to name 19 players in his squad number release last week, though they have since added forward Greg Richards on loan from Hull KR.

Houles is expected to draft in players from the club’s reserve side throughout the season, as well as make use of a dual-registration partnership with Catalans.

More players from other clubs may become available to him when the French Elite Championship season ends in June.

Our League coverage

The round 1 Championship clash takes place on Saturday, with a 3pm kick-off.

It is available to purchase at the early bird price of £4.95. A match pass bought on the day of the game will cost £10, meaning that by purchasing in advance, you can enjoy more than 50% off!

  • Visit https://www.rugby-league.com/dashboard.
  • Login with your Our League credentials. If you don’t have an Our League login, supporters are able to sign up for free.
  • On the next landing page, Barrow Raiders vs Toulouse Olympique is listed under Upcoming Live Matches. Click on the fixture to purchase your pass.