WHOLE NEW BOULE GAME

Leeds stars' French connection

PLAYING petanque with Leeds United players is not Leeds Rhinos prop Mickael Goudemand’s usual preparation for a “big fight” against Catalans.

But the tough France forward can turn his hand – literally – to anything.

He and Rhinos team-mate Justin Sangare met up with their fellow countrymen Giorginio Rutter and Illan Meslier at United’s training ground on Thursday.

A press opportunity around their French connection in the city led to them facing each other in the traditional boules game – and not surprisingly things got competitive.

The Rhinos duo edged a 5-4 thriller and Goudemand admitted: “I come from the south of France so, honestly, I’d have been very angry if I’d lost.