Rohan Smith has revealed how Justin Sangare played on at Leeds Rhinos' victory at St Helens last weekend while his partner went into labour with their first child. Sangare has been one of Leeds' standout performers since switching to the club from Toulouse Olympique in the winter.
And his performance in Leeds' memorable win against the champions last Friday has been put into even more impressive light after Smith revealed his partner went into labour midway through the game. Sangare opted to remain with his team-mates and help them secure their first win of the Super League season before rushing home to Leeds.
His partner subsequently gave birth to a girl, and Sangare has been granted a leave of absence from this weekend's fixture against Wakefield Trinity to be with his young family.
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"Justin's partner went into labour during the Saints game but he was committed to playing and finishing that game," Smith revealed. "We've given him some compassionate leave to be with his family this week.
"Given he's away from home, he doesn't have his network around so it's important we as a club support Justin and his beautiful family and allow them that time to settle in."
Smith also joked that with the French international's daughter being born in Leeds, he now has a fully-fledged Yorkshire child.
"She gave birth in Leeds, so I sent him a message yesterday saying that he's going to bring up the baby with some African background, some French and now it's fully Yorkshire too!
"That's a great story and part of our culture within Leeds Rhinos, we've got lots of different guys from different upbringings and I think it's cool to share that."
Sangare will return to the Leeds fray for next week's local derby against Castleford Tigers.
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