WHILE rugby league players in this country are currently grinding through pre-season, the competitive action is heating up for one former Warrington Wolves youngster.

Prop forward Pat Moran is currently playing in the Elite One Championship – the top tier of rugby league in France – for Avignon.

On the face of it, he seems to be making a good impression having been named the club's man of the match on only his second appearance yesterday as his side lost 28-22 at Lezignan Corbieres.

Moran made two senior appearances for The Wire after coming through the club's academy before spending the 2020 season in the Championship with Widnes Vikings.

He had agreed to join newly-formed Canadian side Ottawa Aces for 2021 before the club deferred their entry into League One until next year.

The 22-year-old will also be aiming to force his way into the Ireland squad for the season-ending Rugby League World Cup through his performances for Avignon, who host Albi in their next fixture on Sunday.