Leeds Rhinos have confirmed the immediate release of French international Mickael Goudemand with the Frenchman departing the club after just one season.
Goudemand had signed for Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2024 season from Catalans Dragons and was one of just a handful of reinforcements to the club’s pack.
It had been expected that Leeds would further bolster the forward pack this off-season and that need is even more obvious now after confirmation that Goudemand has been released from his contract early.
The former Catalans prop had been contracted until the end of the 2025 season after initially signing a two-year deal but he leaves after just one season and 18 appearances.
The club confirmed his exit via a short statement, shared on social media and the club website.
At 28-years-old and as a non-quota player, it’s likely that the Frenchman will be in high demand.
Leeds Rhinos confirm exit of French forward
Credit: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
It read: “France international Mickael Goudemand has been granted a release from the final year of his contract at Leeds Rhinos.
“The forward arrived at AMT Headingley at the start of this season from Catalans Dragons and made 18 appearances, scoring one try. However, he only played once in the final ten games of the season and the player and the club have agreed to mutually end the deal to allow the 28-year-old the chance to pursue other playing opportunities next season.
“Leeds Rhinos Sporting Director Ian Blease said, “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish Mickael all the best for the future. He has returned to France in recent weeks ahead of the birth of his first child with his partner Louisa and they leave with our best wishes and thanks.”
A prop forward will now be first on the wishlist of Brad Arthur although Leeds Rhinos have also been linked with a spectacular move for Huddersfield Giants’ Jake Connor. That’s per Yorkshire Live who have claimed that negotiations are ongoing.
