ROBIN Hugues has returned to France after his trial period at York Knights, boss Mark Applegarth has confirmed.

The 6ft 4ins prop first linked up with the Knights in April, with many supporters hopeful that he would prove the destructive forward that their recruitment had lacked following Pauli Pauli’s off-season move to Betfred Championship rivals Doncaster.

Franklin Pele did provide some temporary respite during a two-match loan from Betfred Super League side Hull FC in May, but after being released by the Black and Whites, instead signed a contract with Bradford Bulls until the end of the campaign.

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Described as “a big lump of a lad” by chairman Clint Goodchild, Hugues’ quality was somewhat of an unknown quantity, but the club had hoped to tap into his raw talent.

However, things have not worked out for either party, and with Applegarth last month admitting that the Frenchman was not good enough to play for the Knights, his only game time this season has come with dual registration partners Newcastle Thunder.

Hugues made three appearances for Chris Thorman’s side – his only start coming in a 42-16 home defeat to Hunslet – but had left Thunder fans impressed with his size and power.

But having not featured for the North East side in three weeks, Applegarth confirmed that the forward had returned to France, believing that he would develop best in an academy set-up in his native country.

“Robin’s gone back to France,” the Knights boss told The Press.

“It’s a tricky one with Robin because it’d have been good to get him in for a pre-season so we could get a proper look at him.

“It was really hard because when I came into the club, we were second from bottom at the time, and you’ve got to go with players that you know are going to provide a certain level of performance for you.

“Robin, he’s a bit of a blunt instrument. He’s got some really nice parts to his game but he’s also got parts of his game that he needs to improve if he wants to be in the Championship and above.

“It’d have been good to get a pre-season under him, but I think he’s gone back to France. 

“If he can get somewhere in the Elite 1 or with Catalans [Dragons] reserves and get a pathway in that way, it’d be a good move for him in my opinion.”