French winger Ilias Bergal returns to Swinton on loan

Swinton have signed Leigh winger Ilias Bergal on loan.

Bergal, 22, scored five tries in six games for the Lions at the end of last season, including a crucial one in the relegation battle with Oldham.

Lions coach Stuart Littler said: “I’m thrilled to have secured the loan signing of Ilias Bergal, who is a player that represented us outstandingly last season.

“During that period his confidence grew and grew, both in playing performances abut also within the interaction amongst our player group.

“He is a player we have monitored closely and when the opportunity arose we moved quickly to secure his signature.”

Bergal has made three Championship appearances for Leigh this season, scoring three tries.

The France international joins in time to face his compatriots Toulouse this Saturday at Heywood Road, a game which the Lions are opening up as free entry to all.

The signing was made possible by the club’s new “Pride Builder Fund.”