The Bulls have turned down the chance of a friendly fixture in France.

Following the late postponement of their warm-up match with Hull KR on February 8, the club have been exploring other possibilities in a bid to get more pre-season action.

It has proved tough as most clubs are already long sorted with their plans. However, Bulls chairman Peter Hood revealed they came close to playing a match in Carcassonne against Super League rivals Catalans Dragons.

“It was an option and we went so far as to actually send a member of staff out there to do a recce,” he said.

“We wanted to make sure the training facilities were up to a satisfactory standard but for various logistical reasons we couldn’t pull the trip off and we’re left with the calendar we have.”

Bradford were offered the chance to play by AS Carcassonne, who invited them out to use their set-up in the fortified town just north of the Spanish border.

They planned to then tackle Catalans on the weekend of January 16 and Hood said: “There was an opportunity to spend four or five days training over there.

“I wouldn’t call it warm-weather training – more warm-air! – and it was a good chance for some outdoor work.

“It would have culminated in a game at the end of the week but, having looked into it, it just wasn’t viable and we decided against the idea.”

The Bulls were told late last month that their clash with Hull KR must be ditched as they had to start Super League early at Harlequins on the same date.

The Londoners had agreed to face Manly Sea Eagles in a warm-up for the Aussies’ World Club Challenge against Leeds Rhinos, prompting the initial rejig.

The decision infuriated Bradford as it left them with just two friendlies against Dewsbury (January 23) and Whitehaven (February 1) and hardly any scope to arrange another at such short notice.

The same fixture against Hull KR was also ruined last year due to World Club Challenge issues but Hood has been promised by the RFL that they won’t get affected in the same manner in 2009.

“The thing is, this Hull KR game wasn’t just a friendly, it was also part of the Stanley Gene transfer two years ago,” he said.

“We’re due money from the gates of that match when it happens but it’s been delayed again now for another 12 months.

“The RFL are aware of the difficulties it has caused, not just for us but Hull KR too. They have assured us, however, they will make sure it doesn’t disrupt us or Rovers in that sense again next year.”