Former Leeds Rhinos man finds new club following early Headingley exit

Former Catalans Dragons and Leeds Rhinos man Mickael Goudemand has penned a deal with Super XIII side Albi. Goudemand was without a club after leaving Leeds at the end of the 2024 Super League season.

He was one of a handful of players at Headingley to be released before the end of his contract, with Brad Arthur pushing to revamp his Rhinos squad ahead of next season. Goudemand hasn’t spent too long without a club, though, with Albi picking him up on a deal for the remainder of the season.

The forward is no stranger to the French league having represented SO Avignon as a youngster before making the move into the full-time ranks and he’ll be keen to put his best foot forward and catch the eye. At 28, Goudemand may well feel as though he is still at the peak of his powers and a move back into the Super League or Championship could present itself should he catch the eye.

Goudemand won’t be the only familiar name representing the Tigers this season, with the likes of Tony Gigot and Corentin Le Cam involved in the first-team picture. Albi have made a strong start to the Super XIII season, with the club occupying third place, having won four of their opening seven games. Carcassonne have made the fastest start to the season, with the club winning all seven games, while Catalans Dragons’ reserve team Saint-Esteve sit second.

Goudemand represented Dewsbury Rams briefly in 2017 before making the move to Catalans at the age of 21. He spent six seasons in Perpignan, with his highlight undoubtedly being the club’s 2018 Challenge Cup win.

He made 99 appearances in total for the Dragons, touching down on 11 occasions, before joining Leeds for the 2024 Super League season. He featured 18 times for Leeds Rhinos but was granted early release after the season had come to an end.