Toulouse Olympique move for highly-rated Championship prop after surprise departure

One of the Championship's highly-rated forwards is heading to France. Rugby League Live understands Ellis Gillam, who has made a name for himself at Barrow Raiders, is heading to Toulouse Olympique with a view to securing a contract with the club.

Last month, the Cumbrian outfit confirmed that Gillam was leaving the club after a three-year spell in which he made 71 appearances, scoring nine tries. In announcing his departure, Barrow said Gillam was pursuing full-time opportunities in the sport.

That has seen him head to France to link up with Sylvain Houles' side. Toulouse have been keen to add power to their pack and have identified Gillam, the 27-year-old who has previously played for Whitehaven and Rochdale Hornets.

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Gillam has been watched by Super League clubs in the past and while a move has never materialised, he could now be set to get a crack in a full-time environment with Toulouse, who reached the Championship Grand Final last season before losing to Wakefield Trinity.

They will once again head into the 2025 season as one of the early title favourites and have most recently announced a permanent deal for Joe Cator, as well as the capture of Rob Butler from London Broncos.

As for Barrow, they have announced three signings for 2025 so far; Keighley Cougars' Ellis Robson as well as Ryan King and Curtis Teare from local rivals Whitehaven.

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