Barrow Raiders have added to their Betfred Championship squad ahead of Sunday’s Cumbrian derby with Workington Town.
Catalans Dragons forward Mathieu Cozza has signed for the Raiders on an initial 28-day loan.
The 22-year-old, who is comfortable playing at both prop and loose forward, flew into the UK yesterday and is in contention for Sunday’s trip to Derwent Park.
Cozza made his Dragons debut in 2021 and has gone on to make four appearances in total.
He has played much of the season for Saint-Estève XIII, Catalans’ feeder team, in the French Elite 1 Championship.
The club are hoping to secure a more permanent visa for Cozza, with the hope of retaining him for the remainder of the 2022 season.
The utility forward is hoping to stay in contention for a place in the France squad at the World Cup later this year, and joins fellow countryman Hakim Miloudi at the Raiders.
Barrow Raiders chairman Steve Neale said: “We have been in the market for a middle for much of the season.
“We are delighted to have captured a player of his quality and cannot wait to welcome him to the Raiders ahead of this weekend’s game.”
The derby takes on extra significance with Town desperate to move off the foot of the table while Barrow are anxious to maintain their top six position.
