Transfer news: Former Leeds Rhinos prop on the market

VaselineMay 6, 2024

0 2 minutes read

Transfer news: Former Leeds Rhinos prop on the market

Mitch Garbutt is something of a cult hero at Leeds Rhinos. Garbutt joined the club from the Brisbane Broncos midway through the 2015 season and formed a key part of the Rhinos’ treble-winning team. He was also a member of the team that lifted the club’s most recent Super League title in 2017.

Although, he is probably best remembered for punching James Tamou which earned him a red card in the 2016 World Club Challenge against a North Queensland Cowboys side featuring Jonathan Thurston.

After leaving Leeds, Garbutt had spells with Hull KR and Toulouse Olympique. Garbutt appeared to have settled into life well in the south of France and then agreed a deal as player-coach of RC Saint-Gaudens, who play in the French Elite One competition.

However, after failing to make the end-of-season play-offs, Garbutt will leave the club after two years in charge.

The former Leeds Rhinos man is leaving RC Saint-Gaudens

Credit: SWpix

In a brief statement announcing Garbutt’s departure at the end of the season, RC Saint-Gaudens said: “Racing Club Saint-Gaudinois Comminges XIII player-coach Mitch Garbutt has recently decided that he would like to take his career professional in a new direction. .

“The club has taken this into account and would like to thank Mitchell Garbutt for the work he has done at Racing and wish him well in his new role.”

Garbutt achieved success in his first year at St Gaudens, leading the team to 6th place and a place in the play-offs. However, this year the Bears struggled, winning just four games and finishing in eighth place. AS Carcassone, who applied to follow Catalans Dragons and Toulouse by joining the English system, finished first at the end of the regular season.

Garbutt’s future is unclear

Credit: SWpix

Garbutt has not announced whether this will be the end of a distinguished playing career or whether he will remain in Europe playing rugby. The French season has now ended, meaning Garbutt is available for transfer. He could provide an unexpected boost to a side lacking power through the middle.

Garbutt spent the 2023 off-season playing for the Grafton Ghosts First Grade side in the Tooheys New First Grade competition in Australia. So a permanent return to Australia may be on the cards after nine years in Europe.

Could he make a shock return to Leeds Rhinos? As will Ryan Hall for the 2025 season. Time will tell.

VaselineMay 6, 2024

0 2 minutes read

The former Leeds Rhinos man is leaving RC Saint-Gaudens

Garbutt’s future is unclear

Vaseline

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