Departing Wakefield Trinity international finds new home

Departing Wakefield Trinity man Romain Franco has been signed by a new top-division side after leaving the club on the expiration of his contract.

Unfortunately, Franco didn’t get many more opportunities with Wakefield Trinity, as he suffered a number of injuries in his time playing for the club.

A rotator cuff tear ruled him out of much of the 2023 season, and after an excellent start to the 2024 season, scoring four tries in 1895 Cup victory over Newcastle, he was ruled out between April and August.

On return to playing, he closed the season out with Bradford Bulls on loan and scored three tries in four games, before also scoring on international duty with France.

His departure from Trinity was confirmed in September, with the club saying via a statement:

“Romain Franco is currently on loan at Bradford Bulls and will leave Wakefield after joining midway through the 2023 season. The Frenchman has played in 9 games for the club scoring 7 tries.”

Departing Wakefield Trinity international finds new top-division home

Despite Wakefield Trinity being promoted to Super League due to IMG grading, he may have felt that his change to play top-division rugby might have gone when his contract was not renewed.

However, French side Racing Club Albi XIII of the re-branded Super XIII competition have confirmed that they have signed him, saying: “Recruitment alert!

“Romain Franco is in Albi for the 2024-2025 season!

“Romain can cover all positions in the back line: centre, winger and full-back. A great offensive asset for our Tigers!

“Welcome to Albi Romain!”

He could make his debut as early as Saturday, with the five-time French champions facing Lezignan in a league fixture.

Last season, they finished second in the league table – and are aiming to pick up another league title.

Currently, they sit fourth, five points behind leaders Carcassonne.