NEW Bulls recruit Jean-Philippe Baile has been handed a ringing endorsement by France coach Richard Agar ahead of tomorrow’s European Championship clash with Ireland.

After six seasons with Catalan Dragons, Baile has joined the Bulls on a one-year deal and will team up with Jimmy Lowes’ men next month.

He is currently part of France’s squad for their autumn internationals against Scotland, Wales and Ireland, with the winners of the Championship qualifying for the 2016 Four Nations.

France boss Agar has backed Baile, a centre or back-rower, to prove a resounding success at Odsal and believes his versatility will serve Bradford well.

Agar told the T&A: “It was only when I got to work with the France squad that I got to realise what an outstanding professional Jean-Philippe is and how highly regarded he is by his team-mates.

“He had been a vice-captain for a while at the Dragons and, now I’ve had chance to work with him, I’ve realised what a thoughtful player he is.

“He’s the type of guy who can fill a number of roles, whether it be centre, back row or even hooker.

“His utility value is tremendous and he’s a tough and rugged competitor.

“There were some games in the World Cup last year – the opening game against Papua New Guinea springs to mind – when he absolutely ran himself into the ground for the team.

“He was the one who stood up to take the toughest carries at the toughest stages of the game.

“That probably opened my eyes to some qualities which I had probably underestimated before I went to work with him.”

Agar has picked Baile in a new-look squad for the European Championships and feels the former Carcassonne man will benefit from a move away from his homeland.

The ex-Wakefield boss continued: “I think the challenge will do him good, away from the Dragons and Perpignan, and I would never underestimate any French players.

“The challenge of changing his environment and having to prove himself to new team-mates – I know his English isn’t too bad and he’s working on it as well – will be good for him.

“What thing you look for with a salary cap is value for money and Jean-Philippe will always give you that.”

The Championship starts in Workington tonight with Danny Addy in line to represent Scotland against Wales, for whom new Bulls prop Dan Fleming should feature.

Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that Karl Pratt had left his position as the Bulls’ lottery manager – little more than two months after he was appointed.

The former player took up the role in early August following the relaunch of the club’s ‘Big One’ lottery under the guidance of Alf Davies.

But the Bulls said yesterday that Pratt had left his job by “mutual consent” and that John Holmes would start as his replacement today.

Holmes has a wealth of experience in the lottery field having previously worked in similar roles at Leeds United, Hull City, Hull FC, Gillingham FC, Brighton Racecourse, York City Knights and Goole FC.

Pratt declined to comment on his departure but, during an in-depth interview with the T&A in August, he spoke of his happiness and pride at returning to the club.

The 34-year-old had said: “Once you’ve been at Bradford, there is always a part of you that stays here.

“I don’t know what it is. I could sit here all day trying to explain what is it but I couldn’t do it.

“I’ll always be forever indebted to this club and the people of Bradford.

“I feel strongly about that and always will. If I can add two per cent that makes a difference here, then great.”

Pratt made his Leeds debut against Wigan in March 1999 and, after 33 tries in 74 appearances, he was signed by Bradford ahead of the 2003 campaign.

A talented utility player, Pratt played in both the Challenge Cup and Grand Final winning teams of that year and the World Club Challenge against Penrith in February 2004.

But in December 2005 he was forced to retire after a constant battle with injuries.