Basil Richards reckons Alex Szostak's French connection could be the making of him.

The reserve Bulls back-rower, 21, has left Odsal to sign a one-year deal with French League outfit Villeneuve.

Richards has coached Szostak in the Bulls senior academy side and believes the exciting move is just what he needs.

"It's an exceptional opportunity for Alex," he said.

"He wanted to have a look around at different clubs as he's spent four or five seasons at Under-21s level with us. We couldn't offer him a first-team squad spot but I think going over to France and the experience of living in another culture, playing at that level, will do him the world of good.

"He'll come back a better player and person for it and I'm positive a lot of top National One sides will be snapping his hands off.

"Alex has got to work a little bit harder in some aspects to make himself a Super League player but he's a wonderful kid who's done a terrific job for us."

Szostak never broke into the Bulls first team but has represented Scotland and is hoping to feature with them at next year's World Cup in Australia.

He won a special award from Bradford boss Steve McNamara last season for his services to the club and also lifted the senior academy players' player of the year.

Richards added: "Alex regularly gave us 35 or 40 tackles a match and is a real no-nonsense type, one of the players you want by your side when the going gets tough."

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