Monday 9th February 09

Catalans Dragons have been dealt a major blow ahead of the new season with French international Sebastien Raguin ruled out for at least six months with a knee injury.

The former Toulouse centre or second rower, who turns 29 on the day of the Dragons’ opening engage Super League game against Huddersfield on Saturday, underwent a knee reconstruction at the weekend.

Raguin, who was one of only two ever-presents for the Catalans last season and played for France in the World Cup, damaged his knee ligaments in the club’s pre-season friendly against a President’s XIII in Perpignan.

“We will really miss his versatility as he can cover back row, centre and wing,” said Catalans’ new coach Kevin Walters.

“He will be out for between six and eight months and that is a big blow but we are hopeful we will have him back at some stage.”