Former Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons man finds new club in Australia in surprise move

Former Leeds Rhinos and Catalans Dragons forward Mickael Goudemand has found a new club in a surprising move down under.

The 29-year-old has been plying his trade at French side, Albi, so far this season, but has opted to move to Australia to play in local Wagga Wagga competition Rugby League Group Nine at Junee Diesels.

Goudemand was released from the Rhinos at the end of 2024 after a one-year spell that didn’t quite work for the Frenchman, when new coach Brad Arthur arrived at the club.

However, a move to Australia came up, and it seems like it was the perfect opportunity for him to move somewhere new.

With 117 games under his belt, along with 15 caps for France, Junee Diesels will be getting a player with a wealth of experience.

His switch was confirmed on his new club’s Facebook page as he was given his debut shirt.

Former Catalans Dragons forward makes the move down under

Goudemand started his rugby league career with French side Avignon before a short stint with Championship side Dewsbury Rams.

Next, he moved to Catalans Dragons for the start of the 2018 season, where he spent six seasons, making his debut against Whitehaven in the Challenge Cup, scoring two tries.

In those six years, he managed to make 99 appearances, scoring eleven tries.

A move to Leeds head of the 2024 season didn’t go as planned, playing eighteen times and scoring one try.

However, he didn’t play a single game after round 21 in August, coinciding with the arrival of new head coach Brad Arthur.

He’d initially signed a two-year deal at the Rhinos but was allowed to leave in September to move back to France before the birth of his first child.

He didn’t return to Leeds and instead signed with French outfit Albi, where he’s recently helped them clinch the 2025 Super XIII title.