Tamghart frustration at snub

EX-ROUGHYEDS prop forward Said Tamghart has claimed that racism is a factor in his continued exclusion from the France national set-up.

The big-hitting 29-year-old, now with Halifax, was not selected for France's World Cup squad last year by coach John Monie — despite being recommended by then-Roughyeds boss Steve Deakin — or the recent match against England under new French coach Bobbie Goulding.

“The way things have been done is not normal, which means it is about more than my ability to play,” Tamghart, a Muslim who is of Algerian descent, told the Halifax Courier.

“When I was with Oldham, Monie spoke with Steve Deakin and then nothing. They did not even ask for a DVD.

“I look at their results, and the players they use, and think I could do a better job.

“Without being rude to anyone, France is a racist country and I have never had good contact with the French players.

“It is not enough to be born there. They expect you to be like them.”