Leeds Rhinos have signed Toulouse Olympique prop Justin Sangare, Rugby League Live understands. Rohan Smith is set to make the French international his first addition for 2023 after impressing for the promoted Super League club this year.
The 24-year-old is believed to have put pen to paper on a deal that will take him to Headingley next season after seven seasons in the Toulouse first team. Highly-rated, Sangare debuted as an 18-year-old and has now established himself as a regular starter under Sylvain Houles, missing just one of their games so far this season.
It is perhaps his defensive stats that stand out, a positive for Leeds in a season where their defence through the middle has been a cause for concern. He has averaged just under 20 tackles per game with an efficiency rate of 94%.
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In attack he has averaged ten carries a game with an average of 68 metres per game, and has also delivered ten offloads so far this season. He has been highly praised for his work in the middle for Toulouse this season with many commenting that Toulouse have struggled to maintain their solidity down the middle once he has left the field.
He played against England for France in last year's Autumn Test match and is due to play in the World Cup later this year. He will not take up a quota spot upon his arrival.
Born in Mali, Sangare turned down Super League offers last year, instead choosing to remain in France by extending his deal with Toulouse by 12 months. However, he will now venture to the UK in 2023.
It is Leeds' first signing ahead of 2023 though more are expected. The likes of Alex Mellor, Jack Broadbent and Brad Dwyer are all set to depart at the end of the current season. As it stands, who Sangare will 'replace' is somewhat unclear, though the Rhinos had hoped to have an additional prop in their squad for this season but were ultimately unable to find a suitable addition.
