Dropped Fakir released by Catalan

France international prop Jamal Fakir has been released by Catalan after refusing to play for their reserve team, Saint Esteve XIII.

Fakir, 31, was dropped from the Dragons first team squad following Sunday’s heavy defeat away at Wakefield, their fourth consecutive loss at the start of the 2014 Super League season, which led to the cancellation of a planned stay in the UK.

According to the club, he will now put his career on hold with immediate effect, having turned down offers from other clubs.

Dragons CEO Christophe Jouffret said: “Jamal has been a key player in the team since the beginning. He became one of the most feared prop in the competition. 

“He is an honest and responsible man and had the courage to admit that he was not 100%.  

“He prefers to stop playing for the moment rather than cheating. The whole club wishes him all the best and will support him for its future choices.”

Coach Laurent Frayssinous had previously dropped Fakir to reserve grade until the end of the French Elite championship.