Defending champions Lézignan got off to flying start with a 72-16 demolition of last season’s basement club St Gaudens.
With their new signings from the Catalans Dragons, Jason Baitieri and James Maloney, due to arrive next month, the FCL are already favourites to keep their title. They proved too much powerful and fluent for St Gaudens, who could be in for a long, hard season unless they bring in reinforcements. Ex-St Estève-XIII Catalan winger Jordan Flovie and forward Thomas Malfaz both scored hat-tricks, with Rémy Marginet landing a perfect 12 from 12 attempts at goal. Winger Kuni Minga scored two consolation tries for the visitors.