Exclusive: Arthur Mourgue explains new career perspective after double injury setback.
Arthur Mourgue’s comeback was cut short against Leigh Leopards due to injury.
Arthur Mourgue was left devastated after suffering another injury blow an hour into his long-awaited Hull KR comeback.
But while the setback cost him a Challenge Cup Final appearance, the Frenchman insists the experience has given him a fresh appreciation for both rugby league and life away from the game.
The 27-year-old suffered a second pectoral injury on his first appearance in three months. He was forced from the field against Leigh Leopards in Round 11 and subsequently missed Hull KR’s road to Wembley, defeated by Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup Final.
“It was tough. I was really excited to be back on the field and I was feeling confident before the Leigh game,” Mourgue said.
“It was tough to take, to be injured again. But after the injury, I tried to clear my head and get straight into rehab, and that’s the focus now – to come back stronger.
“You cannot change anything, so now you control what’s in front of you. I’m aiming to come back stronger and make sure everything is solid. I was disappointed, but we’ve moved on and what’s important is the rehab.
“There’s no timeline. It’s based on strength and other things. We’ll know more down the line.”
Time away from the game has at least offered Mourgue an opportunity to reflect, while also allowing him to spend some rare quality time with family back in France.
“It’s given me a chance to reflect on what I’ve done already in my career and my life through rugby, and it’s made me grateful for everything that’s happened,” said the former Catalans Dragons star.
“Sometimes when you play, you don’t realise everything and how much you enjoy the game. That’s what I’ve taken from it – I’m grateful, and I love the game.
“I also managed a few days in France before our Dragons game. I was able to see my family and spend some time with my dad. It’s been a long time since it was just us two and I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I wasn’t injured.
“That’s a little win. He’s always been supportive, as has my whole family. He’s a massive fan of sport, and we share that together.”
Mourgue has backed his Hull KR team-mates to bounce back immediately from their Wembley disappointment after being hammered 40-10 by Wigan.
Willie Peters’ side return to Super League action against Wakefield Trinity this weekend, with now a straight run of league fixtures leading through to the play-offs and October’s Grand Final.
“I think it was a tough loss, and we all wanted to go back-to-back. It didn’t happen, but now I think that’s our extra motivation,” said Mourgue.
“We don’t want to have that feeling again and I’m sure we’re going to respond this weekend. The season is not over – we’re still really hungry to go and compete for the next one.”
Mourgue is also excited to see rugby league return to the French capital on Saturday when Catalans Dragons celebrate their anniversary against Wigan in Paris.
Catalans previously showcased rugby league at Barcelona’s Nou Camp in 2019, attracting a record regular-season Super League crowd of 31,555. Around 15,000 supporters are expected at Stade Jean Bouin this weekend, including an estimated 5,000 travelling Wigan fans.
“It’s mad. I think it’s really good for French rugby league,” Mourgue said.
“There’s a huge history with Catalans and Wigan, and it’s going to be a good game. It’s massive for French rugby league and for the Dragons, and I’m sure there’s going to be a good show for the fans.”