Former Huddersfield Giants forward forced out of club

Former Huddersfield Giants forward Kieran Lewis has been forced to leave Lescure in the French Elite One Championship.

Lewis had previously played in France but the Welshman was unable to secure a work visa to join the French club who have been forced to replace the forward.

Treize Mondial explained the situation: “He had played in the Elite 1 at Saint-Gaudens a few years ago and had decided to join Lescure this season. Unfortunately, the Welsh forward did not get a work visa and was forced to leave France. A big miss for Lescure who was counting on him to make the playoffs this season. The Tarn club will have to find a replacement in that position.”

Huddersfield Giants signed the Wales International forward on an Academy Contract in 2020. Lewis had previously played for West Wales Raiders and represented his country at Under 19s level, playing against Ireland Under 19s last year.

Kim Williams, Academy Head Coach said at the time: “It has certainly bolstered the squad. It came up from one of our current players choosing a different pathway and choosing to leave the academy, which opened the door for Kieran.

“I know Kieran from my time in Wales, he’s a talented player but he has that dedication and commitment to improving himself. That’s the key factor for me wanting to recruit someone into our club.

“That commitment gives him that elite mindset – he’ll fit right into the squad, I know that he’ll do well here and I’m pleased to be able to welcome him into the Academy”

Lewis said on signing for the Giants: “It was a massive decision, but one I couldn’t turn down, I had to take the opportunity with both hands and couldn’t let this slip.

“I know the coaching and everything that we’re doing is here to make me the best that I can be. I’ve been involved with League from a young age in Wales, I started playing for West Wales at a young age and I fell in love with the sport.”

“I like to play with the ball and be strong defensively – I relate to Sam Burgess, he’s strong running with the ball and he’s strong defensively, and that’s the style I want to develop at the Huddersfield Giants.”