Catalans Dragons are pleased to announce the signing of Damel Diakhate for the end of the 2024 season.

The French prop who played for Hull FC, 22, has signed a one-year deal with the club.

Damel Diakhate said : “I am very happy to join the Catalan Dragons, as a French player, it has always been a goal of mine to join this club. Now I have to work hard and earn my spot at the top level. I would like to thank the president, the coach and his staff and my agent for this opportunity, I will do everything I can to make the most out of it.”

After having made his debut in the French Elite Championship with Villeneuve where he enjoyed two accomplished seasons, Damel Diakhate joined Albi in the summer 2022. With another successful season where he made 15 appearances in the French Elite Championship, he faced the Dragons in February 2023 at Brutus in a friendly game with the Elite 1 selection.

The powerful prop was then spotted by Hull FC where he did a conclusive trial period to give him a one-year contract with the club.

A promising young french talent, Damel Diakhate is back in the south of France with the aim of earning a spot in the Catalan squad.

Steve McNamara said : “We are very happy to give Damel an opportunity on a deal until the end of the season. It’s difficult to get to the level of super league standard but I feel he will be given the best opportunity here.  Being in around french players and coaches that can communicate clearly and help him will assist greatly. I know he has a desire to work hard and we look forward to working with him.”

Neil McIlroy said : "Damel's addition is in line with our desire to bring the best french talents in the club. It's a young player with great potential and we hope he will be able to be happy here at the Dragons."

Damel Diakhate profile

Date of birth : 28 March, 2001
Height : 184 cm
Weight : 98 kg
Poisition : Prop
Previous clubs : Villeneuve (2020-2022), Albi (2022-2023), Hull FC (2024)