Leeds look to France as four players undergo trials with Rhinos

Leeds are giving trials to four players from France with a view to signing at least two of them. The quartet arrived in England yesterday and will train with the Rhinos for the next week and probably play in the Boxing Day friendly against Wakefield.

Mathieu Mayans is a centre from Limoux who was in France's preliminary squad for the World Cup. Amar Sabri is a half-back from Carcassonne and Mohamed Tamghart a forward from Carpentras. They are joined by another player from the French domestic competition, the Tongan-born prop, Lamalagi Unaloto.

"Although France were disappointing in the World Cup, there is talent there," Leeds' chief executive, Gary Hetherington said. "We have some space in our squad for next season and this sort of thing will be good for French rugby league."

Leeds, the Super League Champions, had good service in the latter stages of last season from Eric Anselme, who has since joined Toulouse.