Catalans Dragons youngster reveals which very different sport helped him develop into Super League star

Arthur Mourgue is only 23 but he’s set to head into his sixth season for Catalans Dragons and the young versatile back should be better than ever after his World Cup experience playing at six for France.

The dynamic Mourgue was hit with an injury to start last season so only managed 14 games but he’s heading into 2023 healthy and will try to prove why coach Steve McNamara gave him the number one shirt prior to last season.

Mourgue has been talked up by England captain Sam Tomkins and likened to Rob Burrow by his own coach but it’s inspiration from his Dad’s coaching that has helped him a lot he claims, and his father doesn’t coach rugby league.

Mourgue’s dad is a golf coach and has worked on the European tour and the PGA tour with many professionals and he also took Arthur to the British Open at Carnoustie, one of the four major events held each year.

In a video shared by the official Betfred Super League twitter account Mourgue talks about his experiences.

“It (Carnoustie) was incredible,” Mourgue explained. “That’s pretty much what he did for more than 20 years. I think to spend time with him and also all the golf players he worked with … is what I saw in him.

“They dedicate themselves to the work, they put a lot of tears in and train really hard. They always repeat because if you want to be a good golfer you have to repeat, be smart, adapt yourself because in golf it’s always a different situation, you’re never in the same environment.”

Mourgue has clearly taken inspiration from life growing up watching elite professionals and the way in which they carry themselves and hold themselves to high standards, that attitude has helped him shape his ability into that of a top class international.

Teammate Sam Tomkins had spoken of the confidence Mourgue displayed in training but was shocked that he could partner it with ability as he described the tricky Frenchman as “electric”.

Fresh off his first World Cup experience Mourgue will represent Catalans for the upcoming season after penning a three-year deal in 2020 which was then improved to retain his talents following an impressive 2021 campaign.

At the time coach McNamara told BBC sport: “Arthur had a real break-out season in 2021. We had no hesitation in offering him an improved deal. We are extremely happy with his progression to date.”